The Anambra State Government says it will commence the implementation of a new tax and levy regime in markets, roads and parks from July 1, 2022.
The state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, stated this at a one-day town hall meeting with the state transport and market union executive members at the Women’s Development Centre, Awka.
Soludo warned those who posed as government revenue collectors in any part of the state to desist immediately or face the full wrath of the law, adding that his administration is making frantic efforts to end the leakages of government revenue, which usually end up in private pockets.
The governor pleaded with those who will be affected by the new system to consider the larger picture of making Anambra succeed for the greater good of the people, adding that alternatives would be provided for them.
He further pointed out that the new tax regime has become imperative since the era of revenue generation through the sale of crude oil is gradually phasing out.
He revealed that since February, no remittance had been done from the NNPC into the federation account as money accruable from the sale of crude oil is gradually dwindling.
Soludo called on the unions to mobilise their members for action, as, according to him, his administration will not hesitate to enforce the new directive for the general well-being of the state economy.
He however stressed that henceforth, public parks owned by the government will be directly managed by government, directing that caretaker committee members in Anambra markets are forbidden from collecting revenue on behalf of the government.
He expressed optimism that in line with his campaign promises, the state will be peaceful, livable and prosperous.
The governor emphasised that Anambra should ideally be a reference point in all ramifications as one of the developed states in the federation.
The Chairman of Anambra State Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Richard Madiebo, explained that the present administration has designed the revenue framework in such a way that people can now pay their taxes and levies seamlessly as well as eliminate multiple taxation.
Madiebo further said that all taxes and levies payers in the state will be issued with a digital identification.
He disclosed that commercial vehicle operators who make daily payment, will not be charged to pay anymore in any public park, adding that five per cent of the revenue generated by any union, will be given to them to manage the respective business places.
Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Uche Okafor, Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Paschal Agbodike, Secretary to the State Government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, and market leaders attended the function which featured question, answer and contribution sessions.
