Kogi introduces levy on every loaf of bread

A levy has been introduced on every loaf of bread baked by the Kogi state government.

This was disclosed by the state ministry of commerce and industry, saying the levy is aimed at improving the internally generated revenue.

Reacting to the development, the state chapter of the Association of Master bakers and Caterers of Nigeria (AMBCN) on Thursday said the bakers are against the levy.

An executive member of the association simply identified as Godfirst said the association has begun moves to meet with the consultant the state charged with collecting the fee.

Godfirst said they received a memo from the ministry imposing a levy to be paid “on each loaf of bread” produced.

“The letter was sent to us that a consultant has been given the job to generate fund from bakery to state government; to generate revenue to (for the) state government,” he said.

“We are trying to meet with the consultant but we have not been able to meet with him. We want to meet with him to give us more explanation.”

He said bakers in the state are experiencing hardship occasioned by the pandemic and will not be able to meet the new demand.

“We are not happy about it, presently there is no market. We are facing different types of challenges, and if they are now asking us to pay another tax, we don’t know how we can cope,” he said.

Efforts to get in touch with the state commissioner for information, Kingsley Fanwo were futile as his line was not available as at the time of reportage.