By Akpowene Ure, SAPELE.
Delta State — Some Point of Sale (POS) operators in Sapele have expressed concern over what they describe as growing financial pressure following the introduction of new levies and identification measures by the local council authorities.
According to several operators who spoke with journalists, the new requirements reportedly include the purchase of uniforms at ₦5,000, stickers at ₦1,500, and a weekly ticket fee of ₦400. They claimed that these costs have worsened their already challenging operating conditions amid the current economic hardship.
One operator, who identified herself as a graduate of the Delta State University, said she started her POS business after struggling to find employment but now finds it increasingly difficult to sustain.
“I took a loan of ₦100,000 to start this business. With all these new levies, it’s becoming hard to make profit. Sometimes, we barely get customers in a day, yet we’re expected to pay for tickets and other charges,” she said tearfully.
Another operator likened the situation to “being forced to comply or be shut out of business,” lamenting that enforcement agents reportedly prevent operators without the prescribed uniform or stickers from working in the market.
“Without the uniform, sticker, and ticket, you can’t operate. The business that started with ₦200,000 has dropped to ₦140,000 because of all these deductions,” the operator added.
Some traders told journalists that they initially doubted reports about the new policy until local officials visited to enforce it. They said they had hoped for a review of the decision, appealing to authorities to consider the economic realities faced by small business owners.
As of the time of filing this report, efforts to reach the Sapele Local Government Council Chairman for comments were unsuccessful, as his mobile line was not reachable.
Meanwhile, several residents have urged the council to engage POS operators in dialogue to address their concerns and find a balance between regulation and business sustainability.
