By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The Chief Executive Officer of Pomegranate Nigeria Limited, Wole Elusakin, has called on the Federal Government to urgently address the challenge of multiple taxation and levies, warning that the practice is stifling private sector growth and increasing the cost of goods for consumers across the country.
Elusakin made the call on Friday, 16 January, 2026 in Abeokuta, Ogun State, while speaking at the conclusion of the company’s management budget session and retreat, held to review performance and set targets for the coming year.
He said businesses, particularly in the logistics sector, were grappling with multiple billings imposed by different tiers of government, a situation he described as crippling for operators.
According to him, trucks conveying goods were compelled to pay various levies in nearly every state and local government they passed through, a burden he said required urgent intervention by the Federal Government.
Elusakin stressed that there was a need for taxes to be harmonised to eliminate duplication, adding that unifying tax payments would help stimulate economic growth and improve the ease of doing business in the country.
He explained that the numerous charges incurred by companies were inevitably transferred to customers and ultimately borne by consumers, thereby worsening their financial burden.
In a statement issued on Saturday, 17 January, 2026, by DAL Strategic Communication, the logistics expert expressed cautious optimism that the new tax law currently being implemented by the Federal Government would address the issue of multiple taxation and levies.
However, he emphasised the importance of effective communication, noting that businesses needed clear information to understand how the policy would affect their operations.
Beyond taxation concerns, Elusakin also spoke on the focus of the company’s 2026 business outlook, which he said was captured in the theme, “Impossible is Nothing.”
He explained that the Abeokuta retreat was organised to strengthen team bonding, rejuvenate staff morale and align employees with the company’s goals for the year.
He noted that the annual budget session was traditionally combined with a retreat and bonding activities, which this year included visits to the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, the Wildlife Park and Olumo Rock, where staff participated in a mountain-climbing exercise designed to promote resilience and teamwork.
As part of the retreat, Elusakin said Nollywood actor Odunlade Adekola was invited to inspire staff, describing him as a successful figure whose journey could motivate employees to push beyond limitations in the new business year.
He added that the company hoped to leverage the actor’s experience and public appeal to energise its workforce.
While acknowledging that 2025 had been a particularly challenging year for businesses, Elusakin encouraged entrepreneurs not to give up, urging them instead to embrace innovation and adaptability as survival strategies in a difficult economic environment.
He also disclosed that Pomegranate Nigeria Limited was preparing to launch PNLHub, which he described as Africa’s first cargo-hailing ride platform.
According to him, discussions were ongoing for Odunlade Adekola to feature in the app’s launch campaign as part of efforts to drive visibility and market acceptance.
At the retreat, the company also recognised outstanding performance, with the Head of Finance, Mrs Dorothy Okunoye, emerging as Manager of the Year.
Okunoye described the award as unexpected and pledged to remain committed to meeting and surpassing the organisation’s targets in the year ahead.
