By Israel Afolabi
The State of Osun House of Assembly has frowned at business owners that circumvent payment of tariffs and levies to the coffers of the state government.
Chairman House committee on Environment and Sanitation, Hon Ajibola Akinloye stated this on Thursday at a meeting with representatives of Charcoal dealers and officials in charge of forestry in the state at the Assembly Complex Osogbo.
Akinloye made it known that this is the second meeting held with the association to let permanent peace reign in the State and to iron out the issues in connection with their businesses, adding that it will ensure that no category of people in the charcoal business is made to carry the burden of levies and tariffs payment on behalf of others.
According to him, business men and women should avoid cutting corners in their business transaction in the state, because government is trying to do its best to develop the state, saying the House will take a bold step on Charcoal producers that are not paying their dues and tariff to the government.
However, he charged the forest guards not to overcharge the people in order to avoid fraudulent act and unethical practice in forestry activities.
He also maintained that the legislators will soon hold a meeting with Charcoal producers in the state to achieve mutual understanding of government policy on forestry activities.
In his contribution, member of the committee, Hon. Ibrahim Gbadebo urged the Charcoal dealer association to assist government with their taxes and other levies for state to generate revenue.
He advised the Association Executives to embrace openness and unity in their business transactions and comply with rules and regulations.
Meanwhile, in his reaction, the Special Assistance to the Governor on Forestry Mr. Gbemileke Ayanbunmi explained that government only charges levies on charcoal producers not the sellers.
According to him, there is nothing like double taxation in the state, forestry charges are meant for the Charcoal producer not for the sellers”.
Speaking earlier, Chairman and Secretary of Charcoal Dealers Association in the state, Mr Adisa Akinloye and Mrs. Bola Ayankanye explained the difficulty often encountered while the charcoals are on transit to the town.
They stated that their resolve to be paying levies on behalf of producers was to fast-track their trading activities.
They also pleaded with the House to find lasting solution to their problems and requested that government should reduce the charges to N50.00 per bag.
