Anambra Plans Export-Free Trade Zone

Governor Peter Obi of Anambra says the state government will soon establish  export free trade zone in Ogbaru Council area, near the River Niger.

Obi disclosed this yesterday in Onitsha at a stakeholders’ meeting on Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from Anambra North Senatorial District.

The councils under the district include Onitsha North, Onitsha South, Ogbaru, Oyi, Anambra East, Anambra West and Ayemelum.

“The pursuit of the zone will be achieved to raise the level of commerce in Onitsha,’’ he said.

Obi said that government had given two boats to the naval formation at Ogbaru area and land to build their camp to fortify security in the area.

He said that five new industries were springing up at the industrial harbour in Atani, Ogbaru, while a new road was being built to ease the heavy vehicular traffic.

According to the governor, one of the new industries is the 100 million dollar (N15 billion) brewery project by SAB-Miller South-African Breweries.

On the payment of taxes, he said that all taxes and levies would be streamlined for ease of payment and understanding.

“Our people should be patriotic by paying their taxes and rates for development and continuation of government projects and other commitments”.

“It is a sin for anyone to go to the church on Sunday and stand before God for thanksgiving while you are robbing the government of its taxes and rates”.

“The Holy Bible says give to God what belongs to God and give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar.“It is only when you do this that God would see your efforts and answer your prayers and not when you are withholding somebody’s own,’’ he said.

Chief Godwin Okeke, Patron of Onitsha Market Traders, assured the government of their co-operation on payment of taxes.

“The government should sensitise the various markets’ unions and associations on their civic duty.We also call on the government to ensure that the money paid will never go into private pockets,’’ he said.