Benue State Entrepreneurs lament Multiple Taxation
Erdoo Due
Over the years, the Nigerian government has talked youth into self-development and skill acquisition “entrepreneurship” rather than depend on white collar jobs. The drive for entrepreneurship has drawn youth into innovations, depending on their area of interest. The Transmitter speaks to some of these youths.
According to Titus Terhemba, entrepreneurship is worth it but there are challenges affecting the growth of startups: “when I passed out of NYSC, due to the skill I was exposed to,I took interest in agriculture with interest in animal husbandry. The capital is all gone today. One keeps hearing there are grants here and there, but the truth is that most of these grants or even loans don’t reach the ordinary man. I have applied for different loans and grants but none has yielded fruits.”
On his part Ngusha Ikyer says “it is very difficult sourcing for funds to start a business and when you eventually do so,the available market becomes an issue. Economically, the state is backward but the cost of production is very high.The State government has not provided the enabling environment for vibrant businesses to strive.I appeal that the government make flexible policies to support business activities in the state and make soft loans available.”
John Batu,an Economist who is a fruit juice processor said“I decided to go into fruit processing because of my quest for value addition to the state, aimed at reducing postharvest losses,the orange fruit is worst hit. This idea came to fruition in January 2020 from the 350,000-nairagrant issued to me by the federal government of Nigeria. On commencement of this business in Makurdi, taxation has almost killed my passion at a point my equipment was taken away by some tax forcest hat I have not paid my taxes although this was resolved amicably.”
John Batu complained that multi taxation is a hindrance to entrepreneurs in the state. these include Makurdi local government, Benue links task force and several others.
Batu further acknowledged planning as key to business success; encouraging youth to avoid working on assumptions. The government on the other hand should make the state business friendly reducing tax harassment thus encouraging youth to embrace entrepreneurship.
