Abia Govt Refutes Claims of Draconian Taxation, Reaffirms People-Centred Reforms

The Abia State Government has dismissed as false reports alleging “draconian taxation” and “ruthless enforcement” in its ongoing revenue reforms, insisting that Governor Alex Otti’s administration is committed to fairness, transparency, and ease of doing business.

In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on IGR, Dr Emmanuel Okpechi, the government explained that its revenue reforms are designed to “reclaim revenue, restore trust, and end years of tout-driven harassment of citizens.”

He clarified that all collections have been centralised under the Board of Internal Revenue (BIR) with payments made through AbiaPay, banks, and approved digital channels, while enforcement is now streamlined under a single Harmonised Task Force to eliminate multiple ticketing and extortion.

Dr Okpechi dismissed claims that filling stations are being charged ₦450 million each as “false, bogus, and illogical,” stressing that no such levy exists in the state’s approved schedules. He also explained that Access Bank’s role in the IGR drive is strictly a professional partnership to strengthen financial processes, not a revenue-sharing arrangement.

Highlighting the state’s pro-business stance, he noted that Abia has adopted moderate and region-competitive rates after stakeholder consultations, with tricycle operators, for instance, paying ₦500 daily e-tickets in place of previous multiple levies to touts and unions.

Okpechi reaffirmed Governor Otti’s philosophy that taxation is the government’s fair share of prosperity, which is reinvested into roads, markets, health, security, and other public infrastructure to help businesses and families thrive.

The government urged citizens to register for ABSSIN, pay only through approved digital channels, and report any attempt at touting or unofficial cash collections to the Board of Internal Revenue.

“The Abia State Government remains committed to fairness, transparency, and growth. Together, government and citizens can keep revenue honest, end harassment for good, and fund people-oriented development across our state,” the statement concluded.