Gov Obi Targets N1b Monthly Revenue From Onitsha

Gov. Peter Obi of Anambra has said that the government targets I billion monthly as tax from traders in Onitsha.

Obi, who addressed the quarterly meeting of market executives in Onitsha on Friday, told newsmen that the state’s new tax drive would take off in August.

“Currently, we are collecting about N300 million monthly from Onitsha markets, which is a far-cry from the projection of N1 billion set after considering the economic realities facing everybody”.

“Everybody in the state, especially traders, must pay tax. Even our Lord Jesus Christ paid tax while he was on earth in order to show his personal support for the exercise,” he said.

The governor said payment of taxes would make for further provision of infrastructure and amenities while it would ensure the future prosperity of the state.

“We want to go about the new improved tax drive in a civil way and through continuous sensitisation on the need and benefit of paying it.

“The government will not want or enjoy a situation where we use the police or soldiers to chase people around and cause unnecessary panic in the town,” he said.

The governor, however, assured the people of his administration’s resolve to ensure security in the markets as well as to stop street and road trading.

He added that efforts to encourage more patronage of the markets would be supported and facilitated so that nobody would have an excuse not to pay tax.

Chief Okwudili Ezenwankwo, the President-General of Amalgamated Market Traders Association of Anambra State (AMA TAS), urged the traders to co-operate with the government.

“This is to guarantee improved infrastructure in the markets and make you responsible citizens of the state.

“It is our civic duty to pay taxes as and when due and the right amount. I appeal to my fellow traders to pay without waiting to be forced to do so, since it is for the benefit of us all.”