By Juliana Nwachukwu
The Executive Mayor of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Hon Ikechukwu Mofunanya, has reaffirmed his administration’s determination to end double taxation, illegal levies and unauthorised revenue collection, assuring traders and business owners of government intervention against arbitrary financial demands.
The Mayor gave the assurance during a meeting with market leaders from various markets across Onitsha South, held at the Local Government Secretariat on October 30.
Addressing the market leaders, Mofunanya declared that his administration would not tolerate any form of illegal taxation or unauthorised levies imposed on traders and business owners.
He emphasised that revenue collections must be conducted transparently and in accordance with established procedures.
The Mayor also expressed concern over street trading and other commercial activities that obstruct roads, contribute to traffic congestion and disrupt the smooth conduct of business.
He called on market leaders to support efforts to maintain orderliness and create a more conducive environment for traders and customers.
Mofunanya urged the market leaders to promptly report cases of double taxation, illegal levies and unauthorised revenue collection, including activities involving revenue agents operating under state authority.
He assured them that complaints brought to the attention of the local government would receive the necessary attention and appropriate intervention.
He further stressed the importance of keeping the local government informed about revenue collection activities within its jurisdiction, noting that proper coordination, accountability and transparency were essential to an effective revenue administration system.
The Mayor maintained that legitimate revenue generation should not become a burden on business owners, insisting that traders must be protected from arbitrary financial demands.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting fairness in taxation while supporting legitimate commercial activities across Onitsha South.
In their responses, the market leaders commended the Mayor for meeting with them directly and addressing issues affecting traders and business owners. They expressed satisfaction with his willingness to listen to their concerns, describing him as a businessman who understands the challenges confronting the trading community.
They noted that his engagement with market stakeholders demonstrated an appreciation of the importance of protecting legitimate businesses and maintaining a healthy relationship between government and traders.
The Mayor reiterated that revenue generation must be guided by accountability, fairness and respect for legitimate businesses, assuring traders that his administration would continue to address concerns relating to multiple taxation and illegal collections.
Among the principal officers present at the meeting were the Leader and Speaker of the Legislative Council, Rt. Hon. Mrs. Nwangwu Ifunanya Stella, Chief of Staff to the Mayor, Kenechukwu Oguejiofor, Mr Paul Onuachalla Esq. Legal Adviser to the Mayor, Barr. Stanley Okafor, Onitsha South LG Head of Administration, Mrs Ebere Ezechukwu, among others.
The meeting underscored the Mofunanya administration’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with market stakeholders, promoting a transparent revenue system, protecting traders from unauthorised financial demands and ensuring a more organised commercial environment across Onitsha South.
Juliana Nwachukwu is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
#Anambraisrising
#Solutionishere
#Solutioncontinues
