IGBO-EZE NORTH CHAIRMAN BANS FEES ON PALM PRODUCE ARTISANS

In a bold move aimed at protecting local traders, the Executive Chairman of Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, Hon. Michael Ogalla, has ordered an immediate halt to any form of levies or charges imposed on artisans dealing in palm produce—particularly those trading in palm wine and palm oil.

This directive was conveyed through a statement by the Chairman’s Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Chinecherem Godswill Eze, and made public in Ogrute on Monday.

The statement sternly warned that “any person or group caught extorting these traders will face the full weight of the law.” It further encouraged affected artisans to promptly report any such illegal demands to the appropriate authorities for swift action.

This development comes months after Hon. Ogalla introduced controversial burial levies, a move that was met with widespread criticism across the local government and beyond.

Acknowledging the public backlash, he later suspended the levies and set up a tax reform committee to holistically review the LGA’s revenue system.

The chairman’s latest directive appears to be part of broader efforts to ensure fairness, ease the burden on struggling residents, and rebuild public trust in local governance.