AKSU Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development

ANALYSIS OF TAXATION AND WELFARE OF ITINERANT PALM OIL MARKETERS IN AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

Author:  Udokure, U. J, Obasi, I. O, Njoku, M. E. and Onya, S. C.

Abstract
The study analyzed the taxation and welfare of palm oil marketers in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling techniques were adopted to select 120 itinerant palm oil marketers for the study. Primary data obtained using structured questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools, multiple regression model and mean per-capita household consumption expenditure. Results showed that palm oil marketers paid mostly sales tax with minimum and maximum amounts being N500 and N3000 respectively. The level of market participation (P<0.01), quantity of palm oil sold (P<0.01), and selling price of palm oil (P<0.05) were the determinants of the amount of tax paid by itinerant traders in the study area. The respondents' monthly expenditure on food and non-food items was N111,787.90. Imposing taxes on itinerant palm oil traders decreased their welfare. There is a negative relationship between taxation and welfare of itinerant palm oil marketers, the study recommended that policymakers consider tax incentives like reduction in the amount of tax that marketers are required to pay and exemptions to encourage palm oil marketers to participate in the market to enhance their welfare.