The Cross River State House of Assembly has summoned the Commissioner for Environment over alleged illegal levies imposed on truck drivers transporting granite from quarries in Akamkpa.
The decision was made following a complaint raised by Mr. Okon Owuna, the lawmaker representing Akamkpa I, during a house session. Owuna revealed that the levy, tagged the “Cross River Evacuation Permit,” was being enforced by the Ministry of Environment without approval from the Cross River Internal Revenue Service.
According to Owuna, the levy is not backed by the state’s Revenue Administration Law, making its collection unlawful. He further noted that the financial burden placed on truck drivers and business owners in the area had led to many withdrawing their trucks and relocating operations to neighboring states.
“If this trend is not checked, it is capable of destroying the hard-earned reputation and good image that Governor Bassey Otu has built for the state,” Owuna warned.
Several other lawmakers echoed similar concerns, condemning the levy as an act of double taxation. Speaker of the House, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, denounced the illegal charges and directed the Commissioner for Environment and the Chairman of the Internal Revenue Service to appear before the assembly.
Ayambem stated that their appearance would provide clarity on the issue and allow lawmakers to find a lasting solution to the matter.