Private sector operators are facing growing pressure from multiple taxation and levies imposed across states and local governments, a situation industry players say is worsening operating costs and undermining economic growth.
The Chief Executive Officer of Pomegranate Nigeria Limited, Mr Wole Elusakin, raised the concern in Abeokuta at the close of the company’s management budget session and retreat, warning that uncoordinated tax regimes were having a crippling effect on businesses, particularly in the logistics sector.
According to him, operators are compelled to pay various levies in almost every state and local government area their vehicles pass through, resulting in repeated charges for the same services. He called on the Federal Government to urgently harmonise taxes and eliminate multiple billings as part of broader reforms to stimulate the economy.
Elusakin explained that the burden of these levies does not stop with businesses alone, as the cumulative costs are eventually transferred to consumers through higher prices of goods and services.
“All the costs incurred are invariably passed to our clients, who in turn pass them to the consumers. This ultimately increases the financial burden on ordinary Nigerians,” he said.
While expressing optimism about the new tax law being rolled out by the Federal Government, the logistics expert stressed the need for proper public enlightenment to ensure businesses clearly understand the policy and its implications.
“We expect the Federal Government to communicate the policy effectively, so operators can understand how it will impact their businesses and provide clarity on compliance,” he added.
Speaking on the company’s 2026 theme, “Impossible is Nothing,” Elusakin said the Abeokuta retreat was designed to strengthen team cohesion, review performance, and re-energise staff ahead of the year’s targets. The retreat featured team-bonding activities and visits to notable sites including the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, the Wildlife Park and Olumo Rock.
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| L-R: Mrs Tope Elusakin; Nollywood actor, Odunlade Adekola and the CEO/Founder Pomegranate Nigeria Limited, Mr. Wole Elusakin at the company’s budget session and retreat in Abeokuta on Friday. Photo: DAL Strategic Communications. |
As part of the programme, Nollywood actor Odunlade Adekola was invited to motivate employees. Elusakin said the actor’s success story was intended to inspire staff to push beyond perceived limits and embrace innovation.
He acknowledged that 2025 was a difficult year for many businesses but urged entrepreneurs not to give up, advising them to adopt creative and adaptive strategies to survive the challenging economic environment.
Elusakin also disclosed plans by Pomegranate Nigeria Limited to launch PNLHub, which he described as Africa’s first cargo-hailing ride platform. He added that discussions were ongoing for Adekola to feature in the platform’s launch campaign.
At the event, the company’s Head of Finance, Mrs Dorothy Okunoye, was named Manager of the Year. She described the recognition as unexpected and reaffirmed her commitment to supporting the company’s growth and surpassing its performance targets.