APC Candidate Criticizes Otti’s Tax Hike, Says Aba Traders Are Overburdened
An All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Abia State has accused Governor Alex Otti of imposing harsh tax policies that are hurting traders in Aba, describing the recent hike in levies as excessive and poorly timed. According to the candidate, the new tax regime has placed unnecessary pressure on the business community, especially in Aba, which is widely regarded as the commercial heartbeat of Abia and a major trading hub in Nigeria.
Speaking during a meeting with traders in Ariaria Market, the APC hopeful expressed concern that the government’s drive to increase internally generated revenue was being carried out without regard for the struggles of ordinary traders who are still grappling with economic hardship. He explained that many of these traders operate on very slim profit margins, and any additional tax could mean the difference between staying in business or shutting down completely. He warned that the new tax structure might stifle entrepreneurship, discourage small and medium-scale enterprises, and slow down Aba’s growth as a center of innovation and commerce.
Several traders voiced their frustration during the interaction, noting that instead of enjoying relief from the government, they were being burdened with multiple layers of taxation. One fabric seller said that daily market sales had already been declining because of reduced consumer purchasing power, and the added tax now eats into their earnings, leaving little to take home. Another trader in household goods said she had considered closing her stall because the combined costs of rent, stock, and new taxes were simply overwhelming.
The APC candidate reminded the audience that Governor Otti, while campaigning for office, had promised to abolish what he called “punitive and discriminatory multiple taxation” in Aba. At the time, Otti pledged to simplify taxes, introduce fairness, and protect traders from exploitation. While the governor later introduced a digital tax collection system for transporters and traders aimed at boosting transparency and curbing fraud, many traders insist that the initiative has not translated into relief but has instead become another burden.
Critics of the government’s policy believe the new system may have noble intentions but was introduced without proper consultation with stakeholders. They argue that the technology-driven platform has been accompanied by increased fees and administrative processes that many small traders cannot easily navigate. As a result, the policy has created more confusion than clarity and has not provided the relief initially promised.
The APC aspirant called on the state government to urgently review the tax system and consider policies that support rather than stifle local enterprise. He suggested that the government should introduce a tiered tax system, where micro and small traders pay a reduced rate while larger businesses contribute more. He also advised the government to conduct town hall meetings with traders across the major markets in Aba to gather feedback before implementing new financial measures. According to him, this would build trust between government and the people while ensuring policies reflect the realities of those most affected.
He further argued that Aba is too important to the state’s economy to be treated with a one-size-fits-all approach. Known as the “Japan of Africa” because of its vibrant manufacturing and entrepreneurial spirit, Aba has the capacity to drive industrial growth not only in Abia but across the southeast. Policies that weaken the city’s business environment, he said, would inevitably undermine the state’s broader development agenda.
As the debate over taxation intensifies, traders are hoping the government will listen to their concerns and take steps to cushion the impact of rising levies. For now, many small business owners in Aba remain worried that the new system will continue to erode their profits, forcing some to close their stalls while others struggle to survive in an already challenging economic climate.
