MAN, Anambra Mayors Canvass Harmonised Tax System to Eliminate Multiple Taxation, Illegal Levies in Anambra

By Praise Chinecherem

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has called for harmonised and transparent tax administration system that would eliminate multiple taxation, curb illegal revenue collection and improve ease of doing business in Anambra State.

The call was made during a high-level stakeholders’ engagement between Association and Local Government authorities in the State, attended by Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, represented by Senior Special Assistant to the Governor, Hon Collins Ezeihe and Chairmen of Local Government Councils.

Speaking at the meeting, Chairman of MAN, Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi States Branch, Dr. (Lady) Ada Chukwudozie said the engagement was convened in response to increasing concerns from manufacturers over the activities of unauthorised revenue collectors, multiple tax demands and uncertainty surrounding the jurisdiction of various taxes and levies.

She said manufacturers are not opposed to paying legitimate taxes but require clarity, transparency and a predictable tax administration framework that allows businesses to operate without unnecessary harassment.

According to her, MAN had earlier constituted a committee to identify the various taxes, levies and fees paid by manufacturers with the objective of gathering evidence-based information to strengthen its advocacy and support constructive engagement with government.

Chukwudozie noted that one of the recurring challenges identified was the difficulty experienced by manufacturers in distinguishing between taxes collectible by the Federal, State and Local Government Councils, as well as identifying authorised revenue collection agents.

She recalled that during an earlier engagement with the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service (AIRS), represented by its Director, Mr. Achebe, stakeholders recognised the need to simplify tax administration and reduce friction between government and taxpayers.

“One of the key outcomes of that engagement was the broad agreement on the need to pursue a more harmonised tax administration system through the State’s revenue framework while ensuring that Local Governments continue to receive their lawful statutory allocations.

“This approach is expected to reduce multiple collections, eliminate the activities of touts and improve compliance,” she said.

The MAN boss further revealed that stakeholders had agreed on the establishment of a joint committee to identify areas of overlap in tax administration, recommend harmonisation measures and streamline revenue collection processes in a manner that protects government revenue while creating more business-friendly environment.

Describing the engagement with the Local Government authorities as a continuation of the collaborative process, Chukwudozie stressed that the participation of the Local Government Chairmen was essential to achieving a sustainable and practical solution.

She proposed that the outcome of the consultations should include preparation of a comprehensive schedule of taxes and levies legally collectible by each tier of government, together with their enabling laws, approved rates and designated collecting authorities.

“Such a framework will improve transparency, encourage voluntary compliance and reduce disputes between businesses and government,” she added.

Chukwudozie reaffirmed MAN’s commitment to partnering with all tiers of government in promoting responsible tax compliance, improving the ease of doing business and supporting policies that stimulate industrial growth, employment generation and sustainable economic development in the State.

The stakeholders agreed to sustain dialogue and collaboration towards developing a transparent, harmonised and efficient tax administration system that balances the revenue needs of government with the competitiveness of the manufacturing sector.

Other stakeholders at the meeting were Chairman of Mayors of Local Government and Mayor of Aguata Local Government, Dr Chibueze Ofobuike, Mayor of Idemili North, Stanley Nkwoka, Mayor of Ogbaru Local Government, Kenneth Akwuobi, Mayor of Anambra West Local Government, Mrs Edith Endive, Mayor of Ihiala Local Government, Engr Anayo Orjiakor, senior government officials and members of the organised private sector.