A committee has been set up by the Nigerian Bar Association Section On Public Interest Law, NBA-SPIDEL, to investigate the legality of the Federal Government’s imposition of a N1,000 annual proof of ownership fee on vehicle owners.
The Joint Tax Board, an agency of the government, has announced a policy requiring N1,000 to be paid annually on each car in the country for the renewal of the proof of ownership certificate.
But in a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, John Aikpokpo-Martins and Secretary, Funmi Adeogun, NBA-SPIDEL said: “Pursuant to our mandate as the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest Litigation and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) which amongst others, is to defend the interest of the public against oppressive and illegal policies of public authorities, and the overall objective of the NBA to defend the rights of the people, we, the officers of SPIDEL hereby set up this legal team to critically examine the legality of the policy and take necessary legal actions, including litigation, to frontally challenge same immediately”.
Members of the legal team include Kunle Edun, Francis Ogunbowale, Maxwell Opara, Felix Akpowowo, Adeola Folarin, Ibrahim Al-Hussein and Izu Aniagu.
“The consultant to the team is Ikeazor Akaraiwe, SAN,” the statement added.
