Onitsha Chamber of Commerce charges new Commissioner to end multiple levies, touting

By Cyprian Ebele, Onitsha

Irked by the incessant multiple levies being extorted from innocent people of Anambra state and touting that has continued unabated, the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ONICCIMA), has charged the new Commissioner for Commerce,  Mr. Nonso Chukwuma Ebonwu, to immediately end the duo illegalities 

In a statement by the President of ONICCIMA,  Chinedu Nwonu, he said, “This appointment is a clear recognition of Mr. Ebonwu’s competence, passion for public service and deep understanding of the demands and economic dynamics of a critical sub-national as Anambra State.

The chamber expressed optimism that with the appointment of Ebonwu by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, such illegal revenue collections will be stopped with a view to Streamlining and harmonizing revenues generated in the state.

” We align with our Executive Governor’s considerations that the new Commissioner’s wealth of experience will inject a strategic direction into the Ministry at this pivotal moment in the state’s development.

“ONICCIMA looks forward to a robust and constructive partnership with the Honourable Commissioner as we work collectively to advance the shared vision of a prosperous, diversified, and business-friendly Anambra State under the purposeful and transformative leadership of His Excellency, Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo.

“As the foremost and apex body representing the interests of traders, manufacturers, industrialists, investors and the wider business community in Onitsha and across Anambra State, ONICCIMA stands ready to collaborate closely with the Ministry of Commerce, as we firmly believe that effective and sustained public-private partnership remains the most viable pathway to unlocking the immense economic potential of our state, positioning it as one of the leading commercial hubs in Nigeria.

” In this spirit of partnership, we respectfully draw the attention of the Honourable Commissioner to the following critical priority areas that require urgent and strategic intervention to accelerate economic growth, enhance competitiveness, and significantly ease the operational burden of most businesses.

ONICCIMA named them to include, Power Supply saying that the provision of consistent and affordable electricity is fundamental to the survival, growth, and competitiveness of industries and small businesses, particularly within Onitsha and its environ.

Infrastructure Development,  it stressed the need for urgent rehabilitation and proper maintenance of key roads, drainage systems, and market infrastructure to mitigate the persistent challenges of flooding, traffic gridlock, fire incidents and disruptions to commercial activities deserves an urgent attention.

Security and Safety of Business Premises: the President disclosed further that strengthening of the security architecture to safeguard lives, property and investments, especially in our major markets which serve as the economic heartbeat of the state is vesedry compelling.

He called for Streamlining and harmonization of levies, elimination of multiple taxation to create a more conducive operating environment for businesses adding that it has been on the front burner for years. 

He said that ” Collaborating with corporate and institutional financiers and implementation of targeted policies and programmes that improve access to cheap and well structured finance for MSMEs is desirable.

“In the past few months, the state government has taken clear, intentional and commendable steps to facilitate the upgrading and modernization of iconic markets which led to the dislocation of many traders. 

“We hereby reiterate the urgent need for the dislodged traders and many others who litter the streets of Onitsha, causing nuisance and defacing its beauty to be aided to resettle in new developing markets around Oze and Ogbunike axis.

” Road infrastructure is required as well as moral suasion to address the traders’ welfare and relocation concerns. We can no longer overlook the menace of touts at mostly the entry points of our state, harassing businessmen and goods-laden trucks, and scaring investors thereby discouraging investments” the statement stressed.