Gov. Soludo Promises To End Illegal Tax Collection

The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo has assured manufacturers, importers and exporters in the state of absolute support and freedom from illegal tax and revenue collectors.

The event which had the theme: From Import to Industrialisation for Export, was held at the International Convention Centre, Awka, the state capital.

Governor Soludo promised that reforms are on course to make sure that the processes for approvals in Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency ANSIPPA, is sped up without bottlenecks, pointing out that his government is also taking a second look at facilities in the agency to ensure existence of “multiple doors” for easier access by prospective investors.

Soludo stated this at a business interface with manufacturers, importers, and exporters in the state to discuss ways in which leading industrial brands will be established in Anambra, organised by the State Ministry of Industry led by its Commissioner, Christian Udechukwu.

Soludo cited the present administration’s huge agenda in agriculture including the palm and coconut revolution which will ultimately create a new ecosystem around the state. He further revealed that government is building up its land bank, pointing out that they are also making efforts to ensure that the processing time for acquiring land C of O gets down to 72 hours.

While assuring that government will create road markings to differentiate red zones from free Zones for motorists, he stated that government will address the issue of abuses by ARTMA officials including taking another look at their fines, though bearing in mind that what they are doing is for the overall interest of the public.

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Soludo disclosed that discussion is ongoing to explore the possibility of generating power using gas, promising that by December, Upper Iweka will wear a new look and become the safest place to make Anambra a true investment destination.

Speaking at the event,the Commissioner for industry, Christian Udechukwu stated that the made in Anambra Export policy Initiatives will give the state a huge share of the African continental market.

Speaking further, the Commissioner said, “made in Anambra Export policy will grow Anambra industries, and transform the state economy, especially with Industrial parks, Industrial clusters, Free Trade Zones, Export Emporium, and Pharmaceutical processing zones.”

He urged the participants to collaborate with his ministry, in industrialising the state and to expect full support from the Soludo led administration.

He also revealed government’s vested interest in attracting more investors to develop the state and achieve more growth routes.

For their part, the participants raised issues militating against them to include Monday sit-at-home, bad roads in and around Onitsha, especially Owerri Road, difficulty in processing VISA, difficulty in procurement of C of O, insecurity, touting, revival of the Onitsha Seaport, among others.

They suggested to government to look into security and erect CCTVs at Upper Iweka, Bridge Head, Borromeo, Nkpor Junction and other entry points, establishment of integrated trade platform, facilitated by the state, provision of incentives for more people to go into industrialization, creation of a contributory scheme for manufacturers for greater impact.