AIRS Must Fix Payment Glitches Before Enforcing Compliance, Says AKDF Secretary

Comrade Uche Umeh

The Secretary of tricycle operators in Anambra State under the umbrella of the Anambra Keke Drivers Forum (AKDF), Comrade Uche Umeh, has stated that members of the association are ready and willing to comply with the directives of the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service (AIRS), but urged the agency to first put its house in order.
Comrade Umeh made the statement in Onitsha on Monday during a meeting of the AKDF convened to fine-tune discussions on members’ tax payments and other obligations to the government.
According to Umeh, tricycle operators are currently contending with two to three major issues involving the government.
He explained that the government announced last Friday that tricycle operators would be required to obtain driver’s licences, renew their vehicle documents, and that enforcement would commence on Monday.
According to him, the association has no objection to obtaining driver’s licences and renewing vehicle papers.
However, it is appealing to the government to give operators more time and subsidize the cost of obtaining driver’s licences, which many tricycle operators cannot presently afford.
He said that the last time he checked, the cost of obtaining a driver’s licence was over N60,000, while the renewal of vehicle papers costs not less than N12,000.
“We are aware that the law makes it compulsory for anyone driving on the road to possess the necessary documents. We have no issues with that. However, our concern is that the timeframe given for compliance is too short. The information was released on Friday, and enforcement was scheduled to begin on Monday, leaving us with only three days.
“We informed them that the timeframe is inadequate for such enforcement and compliance. We also explained that obtaining a driver’s licence is too expensive for many tricycle operators to process within such a short period.
“Tricycle transportation is meant to help low-income earners. It serves as a means of alleviating poverty, and most people do not become tricycle operators by choice. Many people turn to it as a means of survival and livelihood rather than a profession they originally aspired to.
“There are very few tricycle operators living comfortably in decent two-bedroom apartments in Awka. We are therefore appealing to the government to assist us by subsidizing the fees so that we can meet the requirements,” he said.
Umeh further suggested that the government could consider introducing a rider’s permit scheme.
However, he stressed that such a policy must be backed by legislation before it can become effective.
“We want an Act signed into law by the Governor so that it will protect riders, especially in cases involving accidents and other liabilities,” he said.
Speaking further, he alleged that AIRS is insisting that its enforcement team should oversee compliance and collections.
According to him, the association rejected the proposal because the agency lacks the legal authority to enforce compliance regarding driver’s licences and vehicle documentation.
He also expressed concerns about challenges with the agency’s payment system, noting that payments made by drivers often fail to reflect in the system.
“When we make payments, they do not reflect in drivers’ records. AIRS has not corrected its system, yet it wants to begin enforcing issues that are beyond its statutory powers.
“This situation could create loopholes that some enforcement officers may exploit at the expense of drivers. Before embarking on enforcement, they should ensure that all problems within their system are resolved so that every tricycle operator who pays is properly credited.
“We do not want a situation where we make payments and are still penalized. AIRS must first put its house in order before taking to the roads to pursue tricycle operators. We cannot continue to suffer because of the agency’s inefficiency,” he said.
Advising tricycle operators, Umeh said the association has consistently encouraged its members to fulfil their civic responsibilities by paying taxes to the government.
“We have agreed that our members should continue paying their taxes consistently. Every operator must pay his taxes so that nobody can accuse him of owing the government.
“We have also advised them to remain law-abiding and avoid traffic violations, including driving against traffic. Whenever you make any payment, ensure that you receive a notification and keep evidence of payment,” he said.
He, however, informed members that the government has suspended the enforcement exercise for one month to enable drivers process their licences and other necessary documents.
Umeh regretted that tricycle transportation, which was originally intended as an empowerment opportunity for low-income earners, is gradually becoming overtaxed in Anambra State.
According to him, excessive taxation and multiple charges are making it increasingly difficult for operators to sustain their businesses and earn a decent living.