By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
KADUNA — Charcoal and firewood dealers in Kaduna State have suspended operations indefinitely over alleged multiple and unauthorised revenue collections, warning that the development could trigger a shortage of cooking fuel and further increase household expenses.
The dealers, under the National Association of Charcoal Producers, Dealers and Afforestation of Nigeria (NAPDDA), said the decision followed the emergence of revenue collectors allegedly linked to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Seedling Multipliers Company and another firm identified as Haulage.
The association alleged that the collectors began demanding cash payments from traders and transporters two days ago without prior consultation, electronic payment facilities or properly issued receipts.
Speaking at a press conference in Kaduna on Monday, NAPDDA National Deputy President, Alhaji Abdulsalam Abubakar Rijana, appealed to the state government to intervene urgently.
«“We are not arguing. We are pleading and begging the state government to intervene and come to the rescue of our people,” Rijana said.»
Dealers Protest Sharp Increase in Levies
Rijana said the alleged new charges had significantly increased the cost of transporting charcoal and firewood into the state.
He said levies previously charged at about N6,000 for Golf cars had risen to approximately N12,000, while buses that previously attracted between N7,000 and N8,000 were now being charged about N15,000.
According to him, charges on pickup vehicles had also increased from N12,000 to about N30,000.
Other members of the association alleged that truck drivers were being stopped at multiple points and asked to pay between N10,000 and N40,000, with payments reportedly made in cash and acknowledged with handwritten receipts.
Rijana described the alleged practice as contrary to existing revenue regulations, arguing that it amounted to multiple taxation.
He further alleged that some long-serving members operating around designated checkpoints were asked to vacate the locations, making it difficult for the association to monitor the collections.
Union Questions Legality of Cash Collections
The Kaduna State Secretary of NAPDDA, Adamu Muhammed, cited provisions of the Kaduna State Revenue Law 2022/2024 Revised, which he said prohibit physical cash collection.
Muhammed called on the government to clarify whether the companies involved had official authorisation to collect the levies.
«“We want to know, and we want to call government to intervene on this. Is the government giving them this permission to use this method of collecting money?” he asked.»
The association’s Kaduna State Chairman, Alhaji Dauda Hussaini, said the group operating under the name “National Freight Special Tax” allegedly arrived without consulting the union.
He claimed that the collectors had been stopping vehicles on highways and that the development had generated tension among traders and forestry workers across the state’s 23 local government areas.
50,000 Members Ordered to Stop Supply
Hussaini said the association consequently directed its estimated 50,000 registered members to suspend the supply of charcoal and firewood to Kaduna.
He said the suspension would remain in place until the government verified the mandate of the alleged revenue collectors and convened a stakeholders’ meeting to establish a clear and lawful revenue arrangement.
«“We have a working arrangement with the Kaduna State Government and have enjoyed relative peace under the current administration, but the new development threatens that stability,” Hussaini said.»
Traders Warn of Rising Cooking Costs
Dealers warned that the suspension could have a direct impact on households, particularly low-income families that depend heavily on charcoal and firewood for cooking.
A charcoal trader, Yahaya Halidu, said between 300 and 500 trucks were estimated to enter Kaduna daily, expressing concern over the destination of the money allegedly collected from the vehicles.
He claimed that the cost of cooking a meal had risen sharply, from about N100 to between N500 and N700.
Halidu appealed to authorities to protect traders from what he described as unauthorised collections.
Charcoal transporter Tahir Ahmad also said insecurity in areas where charcoal is sourced had already made the business risky, adding that additional levies could force more drivers out of the trade.
«“We work hard just to make ends meet, only to find that the amount demanded from you might leave you with no profit at all by the time you unload and return,” Ahmad said.»
The union also warned that prolonged disruption of the trade could affect women, youths, widows and elderly people who depend on the sector for their livelihoods.
KADIRS: Cash Collection Remains Banned
Reacting to the allegations, the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS) said the state government had banned cash revenue collection and that the directive remained in force.
KADIRS Public Relations Officer, Mallam Jamila Zakari, however, did not confirm whether the companies named by the association had obtained approval from the state government to undertake the collections.
Meanwhile, NAPDDA said it had written to KADIRS, the Ministries of Environment and Finance, as well as security agencies, seeking urgent intervention.
The association wants the authorities to establish whether the alleged collectors possess legitimate mandates and to harmonise revenue collection in the sector.
For now, charcoal and firewood depots across Kaduna remain shut as the dealers await government intervention.
The association said its members would remain peaceful but would not resume operations until a single, transparent and lawful revenue collection system is established.
