Segun Atanda/
The Society of Testing Laboratory Analysts of Nigeria (SoTLAN) has warned the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA) over a newly proposed levy that mandates private laboratories to remit 50% of their total earnings from the past year to the government.
NewsmakersNG learnt that the levy, intended to support OGEPA, has been met with significant backlash, with SoTLAN expressing deep concern about its potential impact on their businesses.
In a letter dated August 28, 2024, addressed to Dr. Oluwadare Kehinde, the Special Adviser to the Ogun State Government, SoTLAN highlighted the impracticality of the levy and its possible violation of existing laws. The organization underscored that their operations are regulated by the Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria (IPAN), which operates under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Health. They argue that no law exists that justifies the government’s expectation for private businesses to contribute such a substantial portion of their earnings.
The letter, signed by Prof. Olugbenga Ben Ogunmoyela, President of SoTLAN, outlines several critical concerns. SoTLAN points out that the demand for laboratories to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) accepting the levy contravenes the terms of their existing accreditation. They view the proposal as an attempt to impose an additional financial burden on businesses already struggling with high operational costs, without any governmental support.
The organization further decried the Special Adviser’s alleged threat to boycott any laboratory that refuses to comply with the levy, labeling it as an act of impunity and blackmail. SoTLAN warns that this move could lead to severe repercussions, not just for private laboratories in Ogun State but also for the broader business environment, as it adds another layer to the already complex issue of multiple taxation.
In their appeal, SoTLAN calls for an immediate withdrawal of the MoU and urges OGEPA to engage in a more cooperative and collaborative dialogue to ensure the survival of their members’ businesses. They express their readiness to explore all available avenues to protect their interests if the government fails to respond appropriately.
This development marks a critical juncture in the relationship between the Ogun State government and private laboratory operators, with the potential for broader implications across the state and the country.
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