The Enugu State government has recently introduced a daily tax for corpses kept in mortuaries. This new tax aims to discourage families from delaying burials and keeping their deceased loved ones in mortuaries for too long. While the government insists this tax is not meant to raise money, it has sparked a lot of discussions among the public. if you are reading from Phoenix Browser make sure you click on Read Original on the top to read the original version of the Article.
The Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (ESIRS) issued a circular stating that families must pay N40 for every day a body stays in a mortuary after the first 24 hours. This rule comes from the Birth, Deaths, and Burials Law, Cap. 15, revised laws of Enugu State from 2004. The circular says:
“The sum of N40.00 only is to be paid by owners of a corpse once it was not buried within twenty-four hours. The amount continues to count on a daily basis."
Families need to pay this fee before they can collect the bodies for burial. Payments can be made at any commercial bank in Enugu State.
Emmanuel Nnamani, the executive chairman of ESIRS, defended the tax. He explained that it has been a part of the state’s laws for years. He stressed that this tax is meant for mortuary owners, not for grieving families. He noted:
“It is just N40, not N40,000. Since its introduction, nobody has been denied burying their dead ones.”
For example, if a corpse stays in a mortuary for 100 days, the mortuary would owe the state N4,000. Mr. Nnamani insists that the tax is not about making money but encouraging families to arrange burials more quickly.
Despite the government's explanation, many people have criticized this tax. They argue that it adds more financial pressure to families already facing the emotional pain of losing a loved one. The daily payment can feel insensitive, especially for those who may struggle financially during such a difficult time.
The new daily mortuary tax in Enugu State has brought mixed reactions. While the government sees it as a way to encourage quicker burials, many residents feel it places an extra burden on grieving families. As discussions continue, it remains unclear how this policy will affect the community and its approach to death and burial.