MAN petitions Ikpeazu over multiple taxes, others

By Merit Ibe

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Abia State branch has petitioned  Governor Okezie Ikpeazu over multiple taxation  and decentralised revenue by the state agencies. 

The association noted that. while its members are ready to support government in areas of Internally Generated   Revenue (IGR), it was rejecting all forms of business threats by different state agencies, LGAs amid insecurity, dearth of infrastructure and increasing business cost.

Lamenting threats by various agencies, which included all shades of taxes, emblems, fees , levies which have resulted in  factories being shut down and trucks confiscated on daily basis, Chairman, Imo/Abia branches of the association, Dr Jude  Eluma, who signed the petition, pleaded with the governor to call all revenue agencies in the state  to order.

Calling for quick intervention to save its members from the frustrations,  Eluma posited that the governor should  direct that a harmonised revenue instrument be given to MAN for negotiation and prompt payment by members on annual basis without resort to illegality.

The chairman said the association, as  a private sector , whose activities help to formulate, articulate and make policy suggestions that complement government’s efforts,  it had in recent past written letters of request for visits to the governor, chairman of the state board of inland revenue and chairman  of local government for familiarisation but to no avail.

“There have been series of criminal intimidations,  assaults  against and outright extortion of  our members by revenue enforcement personnel . There have been increased legal abuse and threats  of court  action by  revenue agencies of both state and local government without due process and aimed at intimidating and coarsing our members  into parting with funds under excruciating business environment.

“ Your excellency, while expecting  your intervention on this, be sincerely informed that we are frustrated and wish to push our case forward, if your intervention  is not forthcoming.”