Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ONICCIMA), has expressed concern over increasing number of security checkpoints and incidences of multiple taxation affecting its business activities.
The chamber’s new President, Mr Chinedu Nwonu said this at the 36th Annual general meeting of the chamber and Business Community Engagement.
Nwonu described the excessive checkpoints on roads leading into and out of Onitsha as a major deterrent to investors.
“Before now, we had people from Cameroon, East and Southern Africa coming to Onitsha to do business.
“That is no longer the case, mainly because of the harassment and delays on the roads,” he said.
He also decried the issue of multiple taxation.
He said government agents, under pressure to meet revenue targets, constantly harass many business owners.
According to him, many business owners are constantly harassed by government agents under pressure to meet revenue targets.
“Another challenge is the negative perception that anything coming from Onitsha is fake.
“This unfair stereotype affects genuine business owners,” he said.
Nwonu assured that under his regime, ONICCIMA would engage government agencies.
He said the engagement would ensure a fair business environment and proper understanding of the levies applicable to business operators.
“We will continue to serve as the voice of the business community in Onitsha.
“We also urge business owners to regularise their operations and obtain the necessary permits to avoid harassment,” he said.
Nwonu reaffirmed the chamber’s commitment to partnering with government agencies, media and other stakeholders.
“We need to promote ease of doing business and stem the relocation of enterprises from Onitsha to other cities,”he said.
Private Sector, key to Economic Growth – Moghalu
In his presentation, Dr George Moghalu, Labour Party governorship candidate for the forthcoming Anambra election, described Onitsha as a city with the potential to drive the economy of the entire South East.
“I recognise the vital role of the private sector in transforming the economy through wealth and job creation, poverty reduction and value addition to products.
“If elected governor, I will partner with the private sector, especially, ONICCIMA to set things right.
“I want to be remembered by history for the positive impact I made on society,”he said.
Also speaking, Mrs Lilian King, Director, Nigeria Shippers Council, South East Zone, urged the newly elected executives to work towards making Onitsha one of the leading business hubs in the South East.
Chairman of the AGM
In his remarks, Chief Godwin Okeke, Chairman, GUO Transport Company, decried the indiscriminate and forceful collection of levies government officials.
He called on the chamber to protect the business community and create a more enabling environment that would attract new members and investors.
The Director-General of ONICCIMA, Mr. Stanley Anyadufu, said the chamber convened the meeting to review its activities and strengthen corporate governance.
ONICCIMA Elective AGM
The Chamber elected Nwonu at its Annual General Meeting to steer its affairs for the next two years.
