By Okeke Anthonia Chioma
The Anambra State Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) Enforcement Team in Idemili North Local Government Area has sealed several shops and kiosks at Adirika Market, Odume Layout, Obosi, over the non-payment of the 2026 Annual Store Levy. The enforcement exercise, carried out on July 22, targeted traders who failed to comply with the state’s annual levy payment requirement despite repeated notices.
Speaking during the operation, the leader of the enforcement team, Hon. Dan Okafor, said the action became necessary after affected traders ignored several reminders issued by the revenue office.
According to him, the IGR office in Idemili North had previously served multiple notification letters to traders in Adirika Market, urging them to pay the annual store levy. “Some traders openly insisted they would not pay the levy despite repeated notices. We are here to enforce compliance and ensure the collection of the 2026 Annual Store Levy in line with the directive of the Anambra State Government,” he said.
The President of the Adirika Petty Traders Union, Mrs. Chinwe Nwabueze, confirmed that the union received the government’s notifications several months before the enforcement exercise. She explained that the union held two meetings with government officials in an attempt to negotiate the levy, but the discussions failed because some traders rejected the proposal.
Mrs. Nwabueze attributed the resistance to the prevailing economic hardship, noting that most members of the market are petty traders, particularly women with limited capital, who depend on the sale of perishable items such as vegetables, tomatoes, pepper, fruits and other food ingredients. According to her, poor sales and low purchasing power have made it difficult for many traders to meet their financial obligations.
A trader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said disagreements among members of the market union contributed to the enforcement exercise.
She explained that while some traders were willing to comply, others insisted they would not pay the levy, prompting the government’s intervention.
Mrs. Okonkwo Chinasa, another trader, expressed concern over the activities of alleged illegal revenue collectors operating in the market. She noted that several groups often visit the market claiming to represent the government, making it difficult for traders to identify legitimate revenue officials.
Mrs. Chinasa however, appealed to the Anambra State Government to establish a task force to eliminate fake and self-acclaimed revenue collectors operating across the state.
The enforcement team stated that all sealed shops and kiosks will remain closed until the affected traders settle their outstanding 2026 Annual Store Levy.
Okeke Anthonia Chioma is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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