Hoteliers’ Association Decries Multiple Taxation, Levies

A building being demolished on Zik Avenue in Enugu, recently. Photo: NAN

The President, Hotel and
Personal Services
Employers Association of Nigeria (HOPESEA), Mr Samuel Alabi, said  that multiple taxes and charges imposed on hotel proprietors by all tiers of government had adversely affected their businesses.
Alabi told newsmen in Lagos that the charges slammed on hoteliers by federal, state and local government agencies could force many operators out of business.
“The multiple taxes on hotel proprietors can cripple Nigeria’s hospitality industry,” he said.
Alabi listed the taxes as consumption tax, value added tax, company income tax, withholding tax, health certificate, and waste operation permit.
The HOPESEA president said other charges were vehicle emission fee, contravention charges as well as business premises and administrative charges for environmental audit.
Alabi said that hotel operators were facing “daunting challenges” and that the association was loosing members as some were closing shop, while others were making foray into other businesses.
“Government needs to engage all stakeholders in a holistic discourse to enable it to understand the magnitude and dimensions of the challenges facing the industry.
“This will help to bring out recommendations that will help Nigeria have a more investment-friendly tax regime,’’ he said.