The Enugu State Government has addressed concerns surrounding the imposition of a tax on corpses in mortuaries, stressing that the measure aims to discourage prolonged stays rather than generate revenue.

Emmanuel Nnamani, Executive Chairman of Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (ESIRS), explained that the daily tax of ₦40 is paid by mortuary owners, not grieving families. This totals ₦4,000 for a 100-day stay.

Nnamani emphasized that no one has been denied burial due to inability to pay since the tax’s introduction.

The mortuary tax is rooted in the state’s existing Mortuary Tax Law, specifically Section 34 of the Birth, Deaths and Burials Law Cap 15 Revised Laws of Enugu State 2004.

The ESIRS guidelines require mortuary owners to pay the tax if burial doesn’t occur within 24 hours, with daily accumulation.

This clarification aims to alleviate concerns and promote understanding of the mortuary tax’s intent.