TRADERS in Anambra State, under the aegis of Anambra Traders’ Forum (ATF), has appealled to Governor Charles Soludo to reduce the recently hiked stallage fees in Anambra markets, especially in government-owned markets.
Recall that the Anambra State Government, through the office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade, Commerce and Markets, recently announced increase in the spillage fee from N12,000 to N30,000.
But in a statement signed by the chief media officer of ATF, Chief Uzoma Anunihu, the traders said Anambra markets are mainly populated by women, some of them are widows, and therefore, could not bear the payment of the new fee.
The traders said the fee was unbearable for most traders in the market, especially with the current economic situation noting that paying the new fee would be difficult for the traders and therefore called on the governor to drastically review the amount downwards to about N15,000.
They also faulted the timing of the increase, considering the current inflationary rate, saying with both local government and governorship elections fast approaching, it is ill-advised to compel the traders to pay such an outrageous amount.
The group said that as much as the state governor needs funds to uplift infrastructure, the people should not be over-taxed.
