Following allegations by the Chairman of the Zamfara State Association of Bakery Owners, Alhaji Habibu Abdullahi, that bakeries are being shut down for refusing to pay an alleged unlawful ₦10,000 levy, the Zamfara State Environment Protection Enforcement Agency (ZEPEA) has issued a response.
The agency stated that it does not collect any illegal ₦10,000 levy and emphasized that all its operations are carried out strictly in accordance with the law.
It explained that enforcement actions taken against some bakeries are not aimed at collecting taxes or levies, but are intended to ensure compliance with environmental sanitation standards and protect public health.
ZEPEA further stated that the closure of any business premises is only carried out when violations of environmental regulations are established and after due process has been followed.
The agency also urged bakery owners to refrain from spreading unverified information and encouraged them to use lawful channels to address any grievances they may have.
In conclusion, the agency expressed its readiness to meet with the Association of Bakery Owners to resolve any outstanding issues through dialogue and mutual understanding. It reaffirmed that its primary objective is to safeguard public health and maintain a clean environment while respecting the rights of all business owners.
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