Calabar traders shut down market over high levies

Traders under the aegis of Henshaw Town Beach Market Traders’ Union on Saturday shut down the popular Marina Beach Market in Calabar, Cross River State over an alleged imposition of high levies by government agents.

The aggrieved traders, protesting against the introduction of waterfront regulatory economic levies which ranged from N200 to N15,000, also vowed not to open the market until the government reversed the new charges and levies.

Traders in the over 50-year-old market sell large quantity of assorted fishes and crayfish.

The Chairman of the traders’ association, Mr. Nkereuwem Bassey, said the new levies were introduced by the state Internal Revenue Service.

Bassey said, “It is unacceptable for us to pay between N5,000 and N20,000 annually for waterfront allocation.”