By Abdullahi Lukman
Pure water distributors in Calabar have threatened to embark on an indefinite strike over what they describe as excessive daily levies imposed by revenue agents.
The distributors, who supply sachet water using tricycles and vehicles, said they currently pay multiple charges amounting to about ₦1,800 per day, a situation they claim is unfair and unsustainable.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Mr. Desmond Okra said the fees include Daily Operation Tolls, Economic Development Levy, Commerce Development Levy, Air Pollution and Climate Change charges, CRTRA Daily Operational Tolls, Delivery Tricycle fees, and a 2026 Ecology Levy from the Ministry of Environment.
Okra said the distributors consider the charges excessive, especially when compared to the ₦500 daily levy reportedly paid by commercial minibuses and tricycle operators under the administration of Bassey Otu, governor of Cross River State.
He added that the distributors are demanding a review of the ticketing system and inclusion in discussions on the levies, warning that they may resort to a strike if their concerns are not addressed.
However, the Chairman of the Association of Table Water Producers in the state, Mr. Maurice Etim Okon, said he was unaware of any planned protest or strike action.
Okon explained that registered members of the association are exempted from the disputed levies due to an existing agreement with revenue authorities.
Attempts to obtain comments from the Cross River State Internal Revenue Service were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
If the strike goes ahead, it could disrupt the distribution of sachet water across Calabar and surrounding communities, affecting residents who depend on the product for daily water supply.
