The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has appealed to Gov. Chukwuma Soludo to create a business-friendly environment in Anambra by addressing the growing issue of multiple taxation.
Mr Chinedu Anyaso, Chairman of IPMAN’s Enugu Depot Community, made the appeal .
The appeal was during the inauguration of new executive of the Petroleum Dealers Association of Nigeria (PEDAN), Anambra Branch.
Anyaso, also oversees IPMAN activities in Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu States.
He expressed concern over the increasing number of taxes and levies imposed on petroleum marketers.
According to him, the proliferation of charges is threatening the sustainability of their operations in the state.
“We used to have a consolidated tax system, but now, additional levies such as business premises charges, land use fees and Local Government Council dues have been introduced.
‘The burden is becoming unbearable, and while we are still engaging with the government, we hope for a resolution soon,” he said
The PEDAN Anambra Branch election saw Mr Chibuike Izukanne emerge as Chairman. Other elected officers include Mr Ozomadu Michael as Vice Chairman and Augustine Ejimofor as Secretary.
Others are Chisom Ezeh, Assistant Secretary; Bobby Obimma as Treasurer; Ugochukwu Nwakpadolu as Financial Secretary and Ifeanyi Ezeudu as Public Relations Officer.
Mr Ambrose-Mary Enemuo emerged as Welfare Officer, while Osita Fabian and Mbonu Nchekwube were elected as Provost I and II, respectively.
Izukanne succeeds Chief Cletus Obiokafor, who completed two terms of four years each.
Anyaso congratulated the new leadership and urged them to remain law-abiding while safeguarding the interests of members.
In his acceptance speech, Izukanne thanked members for their confidence in him.
He pledged to lead in a way that benefits both members and the state government.
He also echoed concerns over the issue of multiple taxation and harassment by government agencies.
“These challenges have continued to affect our operations.
” However, we will engage with government without compromising the interests of our members,”Izukanne said.
The election was supervised by Mr Obinna Okonkwo, National Treasurer of PEDAN
