Bringing Adamawa cattle tax review into perspective

By Abubakar Idris Papah

In his quest to improve the revenue base of Adamawa state, in line with his zeal to bring more development and growth to the state, His Excellency Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has directed for the upward review of cattle and livestock tax in the state.

Looking at the prospects of this very important sector to bail the state from the doldrums, the decision of the governor to take the bull by the horns become very expedient looking at the economic realities and need to enhance revenue generation as being practiced in far and neighbouring states.

So far, the cattle market has been reactivated with an administrative block and convenience. More so, there is an improved security that allow B
breeders to have free and secure access to markets devoid of any rustling or communal crisis.

The recent outcry probably from the other camp who became instigated instrument against the present administration, prompted me to shade more light on, why the upward review of N5,000 per cattle cannot be wished away on the alter of partisan considerations.

It could be recalled that our people especially herders from the southern part were chased out of the South on racist grounds, and our people are languishing and find it hard to find a suitable grazing area. And as such prize of cattle hits the roof in the southern parts of the country because in some states N10,000 are being paid before slaughtering a single cow.

The revenue review of 5000 naira per cow does not affect the local breeders but rather shall be paid by the vendors, who come to the state to buy and transport the cows to southern parts of the country.

What is the benefit of the tax review to the common man in the state?

Such tax review is meant to improve the revenue base of our state, for more economic and social transformational projects in the state, as presently witnessed.

We should be mindful that His Excellency Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri is doing what is best for the state but not for eyes service because of election. He so much believe that, only God gives power through the people, and therefore I have the belief that whatever His Excellency is doing now is for the betterment of the state, he will continue to bring good policies and decisions even after 2023 election.

One thing I want people to understand is that, His Excellency met this law on assumption in office, which was enacted by the previous administration, he swung into action by constituting a committee, before now cow vendors pay almost 700,000 on check points from Adamawa down to Southern part of the country, but with the collaboration of Adamawa state government and the Governors of Taraba and Benue and security agencies, many check points were dismantled, thereby giving free access with less cost of less than 300,000 as against the N700,000.

It should be understood clearly, that before such review decisions were taken, modalities were already put in place to mitigate outrageous expenses usually incurred by these Vendors, in transporting the Cows to the southern parts. More so, the review does not in anyway affect the peasant breeders but rather the Vendors, who also have much relief from the huge amount being paid at numerous check point.

Furthermore, to create an enabling environment for the business to boost, the State Government has already embarked on:

~Drilling solar boreholes in all the 5 cattle markets

~Building standard veterinary clinics in each of the 5 cattle markets.

~Building of administrative offices in the cattle markets

~Fencing of all the 5 cattle markets

~Building of police outposts in each of the 5 cattle markets.

All the above measures are to guarantee conducive environment and provide adequate security for both the Breeder and the Vendor

Finally, FreshAir Government policies are not meant to witch-hunt anybody. In business environment, political party affiliation, tribe or religion are not important but rather the very interest that will promote the business to grow. Hence, giving political coloration to such important review is not only unpatriotic but sabotaging.

ARDO Fintiri Tazarce!

Papah writes from Yola.