Anambra State Commissioner for Environment Engr. Felix Odimegwu, has pledged to partner with Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC) in tackling the challenges confronting major markets in the state.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that Odimegwu made the pledge on Wednesday while hosting the Tax Justice and Governance Platform (TJ&GP) led by Mrs. Ugochi Ehiahuruike, Executive Director Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC).
In his speech, the Commissioner appreciated the contributions of SIDEC through its campaign and advocacy, stating that TJ&GP is a boost to the efforts by government to increase its IGR.
“Your message and advocacy is great. It’s interesting that you have gone to markets to sensitize traders about taxes and levies.
” If we don’t have a conducive environment, people may not be compelled in doing their civic duties towards government.
“If ndi Anambra are not fully satisfied by the performance of government, they will not be motivated to pay their taxes and this might make government spend more on enforcement.
“The demands of this markets will assist the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo in making its priorities and it will also assist the ministry of environment in its making plans during budget planning. This advocacy is good and I commend your efforts”. Odimegwu said
The Executive Director of SIDEC, Mrs. Ugochi Ehiahuruike while speaking on the purpose of the visit, Mrs. Ehiahuruike maintained that ‘Tax for Service Project’ is being implemented in collaboration with Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and funded by Oxfam Nigeria.
Ehiahuruike remarked that the project had contributed hugely to improved revenue collection in Anambra State.
“Based on our interests as regards taxation in Nigeria, we are trying to make sure that the needs of the people reflects in the state budget.
“It’s not easy sensitizing the traders to pay their taxes given that they have been neglected by successive administrations despite their huge contributions to the state IGR.
“Anambra State has one hundred and fifty eight (158) structured market and we are currently working with twenty one (21) of them across the three (3) senatorial zones and we are able to look at their issues so that we can make our markets accessible and friendly even for persons with disabilities, aged, pregnant and nursing mother’s.
“We have conducted a survey and come up with a report and recommendations. The essence of all we are doing is to improve the working relationship through dissemination of information in the major markets. We are planning a high profile dialogue session and also capacity strengthening program this month (February).
While acknowledging the good utilization of tax payers money by the current administration, Ehiahuruike appealed that the gesture be extended to the markets.
“Its obvious that tax payers money is really working in Anambra State but when you visit the markets in Anambra State, you will discover that their environment is not really conducive. During emergencies such as fire outbreak, it’s difficult to access the markets with help.
“Most major markets in Anambra State lacks health facilities. We need to ensure that our brothers and sisters in the markets feel the impact of government”, she concluded.
Also speaking, a media consultant and member, Tax Justice and Governance Platform, Mr. Alfred Ajayi, said the ‘Tax for Service Project’ commenced after a thorough research which showed that government revenue was not commensurate with the potential of those markets in terms of revenue generation.
Our finding shows that the state can generate more than whatever it’s currently generating but the needs of the markets must be addressed.
“The IGR of Anambra State has improved and we contributed to that success. After visiting and engaging some major markets, we discovered that they are in need of drainages, solar lights, fire trucks, bore-hole, modern toilet facilities, over head tanks, CCTV cameras, VIP Toilets, concrete floor, transformer, amongst others.
“When these needs are provided to the markets, traders will be motivated to pay their taxes. Anambra can generate much more than it is generating now but it will happen when people get value from the money paid to the government,” Ajayi submitted.
