By Frank Ulom
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – Tricycle operators and vehicle drivers engaged in the distribution of sachet water, popularly known as pure water, in Calabar Metropolis and surrounding communities have threatened to embark on an indefinite strike over what they describe as excessive daily levies imposed by revenue agents in Cross River State.
The operators, who distribute sachet water to shops, markets, and households across the city, said the development has generated widespread frustration within their ranks.
Speaking with journalists on Tuesday, 10 March 2026, in Calabar, Mr Desmond Okra, who represented the aggrieved operators, stated that distributors are currently subjected to several levies collected by different agents on a daily basis.
According to him, the operators are compelled to pay a combination of charges that amount to N1,800 each day before they are allowed to operate.
Okra listed the levies to include a Daily Operation Toll of N200, an Economic Development Levy of N300, a Commerce Development Levy of N200, an Air Pollution and Climate Change Levy of N300, a Cross River Traffic Authority (CTRA) Daily Operational Toll of N200, a Delivery Tricycle Levy of N300, and a Ministry of Environment 2026 Ecology Levy of N300.
He explained that the total daily charges are significantly higher than the N500 levy reportedly approved by Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, for mini-bus and tricycle operators following earlier protests by transport unions.
“Our members are struggling under the weight of these levies. When you add everything together, it amounts to N1,800 daily, which is far above the N500 that the governor approved for keke and mini-bus operators,” Okra said.
He warned that the operators may suspend the distribution of sachet water across Calabar if their concerns are not addressed urgently.
“We are considering an indefinite strike to press home our demand to be included in the review of these daily tickets. The situation is becoming unbearable for many of our members,” he added.
However, the Chairman of the Association of Table Water Producers in Cross River State (ATWAP) and Chief Executive Officer of Marian Table Water, Mr Maurice Etim Okon, said he was unaware of any planned strike by distributors.
Okon explained that registered members of the association are exempted from the levies due to an existing understanding between the association and revenue authorities in the state.
“I am not aware of the planned strike. All registered members of the association are exempted from these levies because we have a smooth working relationship with the revenue agents and have taken the necessary steps to ease the burden on our members,” he said.
Attempts to obtain official clarification from the Cross River State Internal Revenue Service (CRSIRS) proved abortive as of the time of filing this report.
The proposed strike, if carried out, could disrupt the supply chain of sachet water in Calabar, where the product remains a major source of affordable drinking water for many residents.
Converseer reports that the Cross River State Water Board Limited (CRSWBL), a major source of safe drinking water in the state, remains dysfunctional in the last eight years.
