Butchers at the Abubakar Olusola Saraki Abattoir Market in Ilorin have staged a protest over the recent increase in daily tax levies by the Ilorin East Local Council, rejecting what they described as an abrupt and burdensome hike.

Members of the Irepodun United Butchers Association of Nigeria condemned the move, which raised the levy from N500 to N2,000 per cattle, saying it was introduced without consultation or notice to key stakeholders.

Chairman of the association, Alhaji Moshood Abdulqodir, told reporters that the new rate was imposed by the local government chairman in collaboration with a private investor. ?The new rate was introduced without dialogue, and it places a heavier burden on our daily operations,? he said.

Another butcher, Mallam Kale Onimalu, said the hike comes at a time of escalating living costs, compounding the financial strain already facing the traders.

The protesting butchers gathered outside the market gate yesterday, refusing to pay the revised fee and demanding a review of the council?s decision.

Responding to the protest, Chairman of Ilorin East Local Council, Lukman Olayinka-Agbelere, said the abattoir operates under a public-private partnership arrangement that was concessioned to an investor with about 10 years remaining in the agreement.

He explained that the council resolved to review the N500 charge per cow to generate sufficient revenue to buy back the concession and regain ownership of the facility.

?To ensure that the local council gets what it deserves from the facility, there is a need to slightly increase the rate,? he said.

Olayinka-Agbelere also stated that the decision was not unilateral and that meetings had been held with various stakeholders, including the traders and butchers, before the new levy was introduced. (The Guardian)