Government Urges GRA and Councils to Waive Taxes for Livestock Importers Ahead of Tobaski

The Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment (MOTIE) has announced measures to facilitate the importation and sale of livestock in preparation for the upcoming Tobaski feast. Following a consultative meeting with relevant stakeholders in May 2024, the government is implementing several steps to reduce bottlenecks for livestock dealers.

Effective June 3, 2024, the following measures will be in place:

• The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) will waive all import duties and domestic taxes on livestock during this period.

• The GPA Ferry Services will cut ferry crossing fees by 50% for livestock dealers transporting more than five animals in a vehicle.

• The Banjul City Council and the Brikama Area Council will waive all fees and taxes for livestock dealers.
• The Kanifing Municipal Council will waive all fees and taxes except for cleaning fees.

Designated Sales Points:

Several locations have been identified to facilitate the sale of livestock:

• • Brikama Area Council (BAC) Sales Points:
    • Brikama Livestock Sales Ground near the Gambia College
    • Brikama-SSP
    • Old Governor’s Residence in Brikama
    • Farato, close to Jambur Junction
    • Jabang Livestock Sales Ground
    • Sukata-Jabang Junction
    • Sukuta Brufut Highway, next to Brusubi Police Station
    • Gunjur Roundabout next to the cemetery
  • Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) Sales Points:
    • Westfield at Kanifing West Park
    • Buffer Zone
    • Kololi New Road, next to Manjai Park or Jah Oil
    • Bakau, around GTMI or near Independence StadiumThe Gambia

Livestock.Marketing Agency (GLMA) showground at Abuko Abattoir will be available free of charge.

The Gambia Police Force will reinforce security at the designated sales points.

The Gambia Immigration Department will assist with the entry of livestock dealers and issue laissez-passer free of charge to those from the ECOWAS Region.

All livestock dealers are required to carry identification documents such as an ID card, laissez-passer, or other forms of ID at all times.

The Ministry urges all livestock dealers to reflect these positive steps in the pricing of livestock. MOTIE expresses gratitude to all stakeholders for their cooperation and wishes all Gambians and residents a rewarding and joyful Tobaski.