Document shows Kogi govt approved bread tax Yahaya Bello tagged devilish

A document has shown that the proposed levy on bread produced in Kogi was actually approved by the state government.

TheCable had reported how the state ministry of commerce wrote to the Kogi chapter of the Association of Master bakers and Caterers of Nigeria (AMBCN) about a new levy “on each loaf of bread”.

The announcement triggered widespread criticism just as the bakers said they would not be able to meet the new demand as a result of different challenges occasioned by the pandemic.

Kingsley Fanwo, commissioner for information, had defended the levy, which he said is meant to protect local bakers and the state’s economy.

But in a statement, Edward Onoja, the deputy governor, quoted Yahaya Bello, the governor, to have said he  never approved the levy  he described as “devilish and embarrassing.”

But a document dated November 9, obtained by TheCable, however, showed that Usman Ibrahim, permanent secretary of the ministry of commerce and industry, on behalf of the commissioner, informed the bakers that Musag Enterprises had been mandated as the consulting company to receive the levies on behalf of the state government.

“We write to introduce the above mentioned as the consultant appointed by the Kogi State Ministry of Commerce and Industry to collect the above mentioned levy from all master bakers and caterers doing business in and across Kogi State,” the letter read.

“You are, therefore, required to avail them all necessary cooperation to enable them carry out their assignment. The above mentioned levy is to be paid per loaf of bread or other confectionery products produced per day.

“Please do comply with this policy to improve the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state for the provision of better services and good governance.

“The collection of this levy shall take effect seven (7) days from the date of receipt of this letter. You are expected to communicate this information to all your members.”