By Mokwugwo Ogochukwu
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN, South East Zone, has urged the Anambra State Government and the 21 Local Government Councils to tackle multiple taxation and build a more enabling environment for manufacturers.
The call was made by the Zonal Chairman, Dr. Lady Ada Chukwudozie, during a stakeholders’ engagement in Onitsha. The meeting brought together officials of the state government, local government councils, revenue agencies, and members of the organised private sector.
Dr. Chukwudozie said the engagement was convened to strengthen dialogue between manufacturers and government, promote transparency in tax administration, and find lasting solutions to persistent tax-related issues affecting industries in the state.
She noted that MAN had set up a committee to document taxes and levies paid by manufacturers and the challenges they face. The committee found that many manufacturers cannot clearly distinguish between taxes legally collectible by local governments and those payable to the state government.
“This confusion leads to overlapping demands and avoidable disputes with revenue collection agencies. Our intention is not to resist paying legitimate taxes, but to ensure that tax administration is transparent, predictable, and backed by law. Manufacturers need clarity, consistency, and a business-friendly environment to remain competitive,” she explained.
Beyond taxation, Dr. Chukwudozie identified the high cost and limited availability of affordable raw materials as another major constraint. She said the situation has raised production costs and weakened the competitiveness of locally made goods in the South East.
To address the concerns, she urged the state government, local councils, and revenue agencies to establish a joint committee to review the tax framework and eliminate duplicate taxation. According to her, the committee should harmonise collection processes, clarify approved rates and legal bases for levies, and identify authorised officials for enforcement.
She stressed that resolving the issues would boost investment, improve industrial productivity, create jobs, and support sustainable economic growth in Anambra and the wider South East. The meeting was attended by the Mayors of Ogbaru, Idemili North, Aguata, and Ihiala LGAs, alongside other council officials, revenue agency representatives, and key stakeholders.
At the end of the engagement, participants resolved to constitute a joint committee comprising the state government, local councils, MAN, and relevant agencies. The committee is to examine duplicate taxation, harmonise tax administration, and recommend practical reforms to improve the business environment for manufacturers.
Ogochukwu Mokwugwo is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
