Awka – Anambra State Government has announced the commencement of reformed border revenue collection for Agric Produce, Forestry, Commerce and Cattle, in the state.
State Commissioner for Transport, Mr Afam Mbanefo made this announcement in his office at the Jerome Udoji Secretariat, Awka, during a meeting with security chiefs, border revenue agents and the Ministry of Agriculture on Wednesday.
The newly approved border Internationally Generated Revenue (IGR) rates are as follows, Commerce- 10 tons vehicle, ₦3,500; 20 tons vehicle ₦6,000 and 30 tons vehicle ₦6,000; Vehicles conveying produce- 10 tons, ₦3,500; 20 tons ₦6,000 and 30 tons, ₦6,000, Forestry; 10 tons vehicle ₦3,500; 20 tons vehicle ₦6,000 while 30 tons vehicle would pay ₦6,000.
Vehicles conveying cattle will be charged ₦200 per animal and ₦100 per goat.
Mbanefo noted that the ministry had mapped out collection centres in all border locations in the state using signage.
“We have designed `ATMC App’ to guide the new revenue regime. All the staff members/agents to be working on the roads must have their details registered in our ATMC platform,’’ Mbanefo said.
He cautioned against duplication of tickets by contractors and agents, noting that anyone found wanting would risk of having his contract revoked.
The Commissioner explained that the revenue collection was a one day toll, payable only at the entry point, directing security operatives to arrest any revenue agent that does not wear reflective jackets, jean trousers and shoes.
A representative from the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr Mike Afah said the new digital innovation for border revenue collection is a laudable one and will solve the problems of the past as witnessed at Amansea border and other points of entries.
“The Ministry of Agriculture will collaborate with the Ministry of Transport to ensure this works,’’ Mr Afah said.
The State Commissioner of Police, represented by the DPO, ‘B’ Division, Awka, CSP Sanni Ahmed, said it was one of the best things that would happen to Anambra State, noting that the state had been called all sorts of names, due to the old nature of revenue collection.
He commended the commissioner for the new digital innovation for revenue collection, which he said would provide a platform to monitor and evaluate happenings in the roads.
Mr Ahmed pledged the support of the Police in carrying out the new revenue collection regime.
For his part, the Area Commander, Onitsha Police Command, ACP John Obuagbaka said the era of business as usual was over with this new arrangement and cautioned revenue agents to stick to the State Government’s approved border IGR rates, promising also that the Police would support the drive at all the designated revenue points across the state.
A revenue agent, Mr. Callistus Nnabugwu on behalf of other agents, promised to abide by the rules guiding the new border revenue regime in the state.
