From Muawuya Bala Idris, Katsina
Katsina State Executive Council has approved implementation of Development Levy and Cattle Tax in the state.
Each of adult person and female worker are to pay N2, 000 annually as Development Levy while owners of cows must pay N500 per each head.
The Triumph recalled that the Development Levy and Cattle Tax were abolished by PRP administration of both Old Kano and Kaduna States in 1980.
The state commissioner of Budget and Economic Development, Faruq Jobe told newsmen after the curial meeting that a bill for the implementation of levy and cattle tax would be sent to the State House of Assembly for deliberation and passage into law.
Jobe said the development levy and cattle tax would be implemented in collaboration with traditional rulers in each of the 34 local government areas.
He said prior to the approval of the levy and cattle tax by the council, a committee was set up by the government which toured all the 34 local government areas to generate views from individuals, communities and all stakeholders.
Jobe said a town hall meeting was held to discuss on the levy and cattle tax, adding that, during the meeting recommendations and suggestions were offered for full implementation.
According to him, the introduction of the levy and cattle tax will assist the government to address insecurity problem in the state.
“Each adult person before he pays the levy must present his National Identity Card, certificate of origin and his location must be identified,” he said.
Meanwhile, Governor Aminu Bello Masari has signed Katsina Mining and Quarry Executive order to regulate mining activities in the state.
The state Commissioner of Resource Development, Alhaji Abdullahi Imam said the executive order would assist to fish out illegal miners and generate more income for government.
He said with the signing of the executive order, the state has a control of all mining and quarry places against the control by the Federal Ministry of Mining.
