Abia State Government denies allegations that it imposed a ₦50,000 tax on women selling akara in the streets. The denial is made by the state Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, during a briefing to journalists in Umuahia on Monday.

Kanu says the claim is false and circulating as part of political opposition narratives. He also argues that street akara sellers do not pay taxes or levies, but instead pay “daily tolls.” The commissioner further maintains that the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue cannot introduce or increase taxes without approval from the House of Assembly.

Both outlets report that Kanu also rejects broader claims about “excruciating” or excessive taxation affecting other categories of business owners. Nigerian Eye adds that Kanu links the issue to the government’s stance against multiple taxation, and he dismisses related assertions that opposition pressure influenced the start of gratuity payments to pensioners, saying the move aligns with Governor Alex Otti’s commitments.