Lagos State Government to Tax Tattoos

Lagos – The Lagos State House of assembly is currently debating a bill to place a tax on the body art form known as tattoo.

Tattoos have recently become very popular amongst the youth of the state who are following in the footsteps of international role models such as Rick Ross.

The practice has also created employment for otherwise out-of-work local practitioners who have seen demand for traditional tribal marks fall off.

Critics of the government claim that this new bill, if passed, will confirm Governor Fashola’s greed and insensitivity when it comes to imposing taxes.

Lagos State inhabitants already bear the largest tax burden in the Nigeria. In the state, taxes are paid on everything from installing police checkpoints to erecting mobile phone masts, but this tax on tattoo may be one step too far.

Reacting to the news, a second year mass-com student of the University of Lagos was unequivocal when he said that students will kick against the tax on tattoo.

Displaying a beautiful image of Lady Gaga on his left arm, he claimed that the student union has already met over the matter and resolved not to vote for Fashola again when he runs for his next term.

A member of the House of Assembly however waved aside the students threat. She also explained the rationale behind the proposed new tax. According to her, the State already taxes all forms of advertising.

“If you buy your car for personal use, it is one thing,” she said. “But when you take that same car and start painting all kinds of advertisements and slogans on it, we tax you. Why should it be different for carrying slogans on your body?”

In related news, the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria has called for tattoos bearing the image of Christ or of crucifixes to be banned Nationwide. Outspoken pastor Bakare has however spoken out against the directive, expressing his shock that people who dress like gangster rappers have the guile to condemn youths who are simply copying them.

-Jowo Mabinu