The Enugu State Government has announced the imposition of a daily tax of N40 on corpses in mortuaries across the state. The decision was made in a bid to generate revenue for the state and also to deter people from keeping corpses in mortuaries for extended periods of time.
Enugu State Government has clarified the controversial mortuary tax imposed on corpses in the state, stating that it was not intended as a revenue-generating measure but rather to discourage excessive storage of deceased bodies in mortuaries.
The Executive Chairman of Enugu State Internal Revenue Service, Mr Emmanuel Nnamani, said this on Saturday while reacting to the Mortuary Tax circular addressed to all mortuary attendants.
According to the circular, ESIRS in line with the provisions of Section 34 of the Birth, Deaths and Burials Law Cap 15 Revised Laws of Enugu State 2004, approved the implementation of the mortuary tax.
“The sum of N40 only is to be paid by owners of a corpse once it was not buried within 24 hours. The amount continues to count daily.
“Kindly ensure that owners of corpses make the payments before collection of the corpses for burial and then remit same to the ESIRS in any commercial bank under the mortuary tax
Many have criticized the decision, calling it insensitive and unfair to burden grieving families with additional expenses. However, the government has defended the move, stating that it is necessary in order to ensure that mortuaries are not overcrowded and that the facilities are properly maintained.