Multiple Taxation Worries NASSI In Rivers

The Nigerian Association
of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI), Rivers State branch has expressed dismay over the multiple taxes they have been paying to various agencies in the state, which has grossly affected their business operations.
The association has alleged that they pay the same form of taxes, levies and revenue to different agencies and local government councils through their agents, which have become so much burden to them.
A statement from the Executive Chairman of NASSI, Rivers State branch, Hon. Godwin Chinwo, revealed that some of the levies and taxes being collected by some agencies of state government are also being collected by local governments
According to the NASSI branch chairman, some of these taxes and levies are paid by their members, without a receipt to that effect.
He expressed fears that if the ugly trend is not put to an end, to allow business men and women operate without pains, it might cause chaos disagreement and breakdown of law and order in the state.
As an alternative, he stated that their members may have no other choice than to leave Rivers State to other states to do their businesses, which will not be good to the economy of the state.
Chinwo, however, appealed to the State governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, whom he believed may not be aware of the ugly situation to wade into the matter.
He said “we humbly wish the governor advise and call the affected agencies, authorities and local government councils to order and to stop further harassment of our members”.
The statement further posited that NASSI, Rivers State has the capacity to assist government in any manner to bring industrial peace and harmony in the state.
NASSI is an organised private sector in Nigeria, established in 1978 by a decree, and was launched by the former President Alhaji Shehu Shagari in 1980.
NASSI is the bridge between the government and Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, and some of the major aims are to organise, develop, inform and protect all small business owners, association, unions and groups, among others.

Corlins Walter