OPINION: We Are Not “Agbero” But Tax Collectors, By Olalere Owoseni
As I walk through the bustling streets of Lagos, I see them everywhere – men and women in bright yellow vests, diligently collecting taxes from motorists and traders.
They are the unsung heroes of our great city, working tirelessly to ensure that our government has the resources it needs to provide us with essential services. Yet, despite their vital contributions, they are often misunderstood and maligned.
For too long, the members of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) have been unfairly labeled as “agbero” – a term that connotes touts and hoodlums.
But this couldn’t be further from the truth. RTEAN members are dedicated tax collectors, working in the informal sector to ensure that our economy grows and prosper.
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In fact, RTEAN’s role extends far beyond tax collection. They are the backbone of our transportation system, ensuring the smooth movement of people and goods across the state. From the bustling markets of Badagry to the serene shores of Ojo, to the remote enclaves of Ikorodu Oga, RTEAN members are there, working tirelessly to keep our city moving forward.
Our contributions are crucial to the success of the T.H.E.M.E.S+ agenda, the bold vision of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to transform Lagos into a 21st-century economy. We are proud to play a key role in the “T” of T.H.E.M.E.S+, which stands for Transportation and Traffic Management. Our tax collection efforts support the development of a robust transportation system, which is essential for the growth and prosperity of our great city.
In many developing countries, tax collection bodies in the informal sector play a crucial role in supporting government revenue. In Kenya, for example, the Kenya Revenue Authority works closely with informal sector traders to collect taxes and ensure compliance. Similarly, in South Africa, the South African Revenue Service has implemented initiatives to support tax compliance among informal sector businesses.
RTEAN is no different. Our members work hard to collect taxes from motorists and traders, ensuring that our government has the resources it needs to provide essential services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure. We are not “agbero” – we are tax collectors, and we take pride in our work.
Of course, like any organization, we are not perfect. Some of our members may be unruly, and we acknowledge that this has led to misunderstandings and conflicts in the past. But we are working hard to address these issues, through reorientation and training programs that ensure our members understand the importance of their work and how to conduct themselves in a professional manner. Those who refuse to comply will be evicted from the system, as we are committed to upholding the highest standards of conduct and integrity.
As Lagosians, we should be proud of our tax collectors. They are the unsung heroes of our city, working tirelessly to ensure that our government has the resources it needs to provide us with essential services. Let us recognize their contributions and support them in their work. Let us debunk the myth that RTEAN members are “agbero” and instead, celebrate them as the dedicated tax collectors they are.
Together, we can build a better Lagos – a city that is prosperous, safe, and just for all. And it starts with recognizing the vital contributions of our tax collectors to the T.H.E.M.E.S+ agenda.
Olalere samuel owoseni (SAMGRIN) is the Lagos state TASKFORCE chairman for RTEAN.
