…As Chisco boss tasks govt on taxation

By Henry Uche

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi, has described Ndigboamaka Progressive Market Association as economic catalyst and undeniable engine room of domestic economy.

Rimi, who was represented by Mrs. Mojisola Yetunde, spoke at the 2025 Conference and Annual General Meeting of trade group, held in Lagos, with the theme: ‘Empowering Trade Unions For Revenue Generation & Modernization: Engaging With Government Policymakers To Create A Conducive Business Environment.’

He affirmed that the theme was a timely blueprint for unlocking the next phase of sustainable economic growth at the grassroots level.

“You represent the largest aggregation of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in our nation. When our markets thrive, our economy prospers, and our people benefit.

“The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment views trade unions not merely as associations, but as critical partners in economic development and policy implementation. We recognize that for true modernization and sustainable revenue growth to occur, we must move beyond informal structures and embrace systems of accountability, standardization, and formalization.

 “In our Policy Framework for partnership and growth, the Ministry’s engagement aligns with several critical national instruments designed to unlock grassroots potential. We are relentlessly focused on creating an environment where businesses can flourish, driven by instruments such as the Business Facilitation Act 2023, and the tireless work of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC)”

The Permanent Secretary added that the Ministry is committed to a conducive business environment defined by clarity and simplicity, infrastructure that supports business operations, growth, and policy dialogue with market leaders and trade union representatives.

“Your theme rightly points to revenue generation. This is reinforced by the National Policy on Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (2021-2025), which prioritizes empowering MSMEs through capacity building and formalization. We believe that empowering trade unions through digital literacy, financial inclusion, and improved record- keeping will not only boost internal union revenue, but will also drastically increase the transparency and efficiency of commerce, ultimately benefitting government revenue streams.”

Rimi explained that the future is ‘modernization’, pointing at efficiency, safety, and global competitiveness. This journey, he opined, is supported by the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (2020-2030).

“For our markets, modernization means actively adopting digital payment systems to enhance transaction security and formalization; Implementing standardized sanitation and waste management practices, and ensuring better physical layout and security for traders and customers alike.”

He described trade unions as the best agents to drive change, having the trust and organizational structure required to mobilize millions of members. Rimi pledged technical support to connect unions with relevant agencies and financial institutions to facilitate its modernization efforts.

 “We must commit to active engagement, so we urge every trade union leaders to use the insights gained to actively feed back into the policy-making process. Bring your practical, on-the-ground challenges and your innovative solutions to us. Our policies are only as effective as their relevance to your daily operations.

“The Ministry stands ready to strengthen this partnership, translating our shared vision for market modernization into tangible realities that generate wealth and employment for our citizens” he assured.

 In his address to the august gathering, Chief Executive of Chisco Transport Nigeria Limited, Dr. Chidi Anyaegbu, explained that Nigerians were not unwilling to pay statutory taxes, stressing that the government should give the people ample reasons to pay their taxes without compulsion.

For him, when people see that their taxes are channeled to executing projects that are in interest of the masses, they would responsibly pay their taxes at the due time.

Chisco boss made this known following the demolitions of some market structures in Lagos, encouraged the traders to be civil, calm, circumspective, and painstaking in all their dealings.

He reminded the federal government of the undeniable impact of Igbo traders in the national economy from time immemorial, while expressing confidence in the people. He described them as resource multipliers who return to their investors with huge returns.

The business mogul whose transport company was recognized and given an award for excellence, urged the federal and state governments to discharge their responsibilities as spelt in chapter 2 Section 14(2)(b) of 1999 Constitution – to ensure that the security and welfare of the people are guaranteed, as the primary purpose of government.

He said government must fix the roads and find sustainable solutions to the face-off it has with business operators, particularly in Lagos. He cautioned that any attempt to unjustly stifle the traders in the region would spell doom for the economy.

 His words: “Most demolitions I believe are political, because the government was there when the people were building. Paying tax is not a problem, let the government sit with the businessmen and give them reasons to pay tax. Our highways are too bad, people sleep on the roads for days, a journey that should take seven or eight hours.

 “The federal should look into the Nigerian highways because people are suffering due to bad roads, insecurity and the like. The government must do something to relieve the suffering of the masses.”

 Speaking, the President of the Ndigboamaka Progressive Market Association, Comrade Chinedu Ukatu, affirmed that nobody under his leadership is permitted to be brash, or utter uncouth statements.

The president alongsied other stakeholders reassured the federal and state governments that the traders would continue to discharge their statutory responsibilities as and when due; like payment of approved taxes.

He said the Lagos state government and federal government must reconcile the discrepancies regarding titleship /ownership of some properties in Lagos, following the demolition and destruction of some structures and properties of traders in the area.

 Deputy President General of Ohaneze NdiIgbo Worldwide, Prince Okey Nwadinobi, implored his countrymen to follow the provisions of the law in all their dealings,display their ingenuities, make meaningful contributions and make the Igbo nation proud.

 Representatives from the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON); Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and the National Single Window (NSW) Project team, threw their weights behind the Market Associations with assurances of leaving no stone unturned to better their lots as they continue to carry out legitimate businesses and statutory responsibilities.