The Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ONICCIMA), has expressed concern over the increasing number of security checkpoints and incidences of multiple taxation affecting business activities in the city.
The chamber’s new President, Mr Chinedu Nwonu identified the challenges at the 36th Annual general meeting of the chamber and Business Community Engagement, on Thursday.
Nwonu described the excessive checkpoints on roads leading into and out of Onitsha as a major deterrent to investors.
“Before now, we had people from Cameroon, East and Southern Africa coming to Onitsha to do business.
“That is no longer the case, mainly because of the harassment and delays on the roads,” he said.
He also decried the issue of multiple taxation, noting that many business owners are constantly harassed by government agents under pressure to meet revenue targets.
“Another challenge is the negative perception that anything coming from Onitsha is fake. This unfair stereotype affects genuine business owners,” he said.
Nwonu assured that under his regime, ONICCIMA would engage government agencies to ensure a fair business environment and proper understanding of the levies applicable to business operators.
“We will continue to serve as the voice of the business community in Onitsha.
“We also urge business owners to regularise their operations and obtain the necessary permits to avoid harassment,” he said.
Nwonu reaffirmed the chamber’s commitment to partnering with government agencies, media and other stakeholders to promote ease of doing business and stem the relocation of enterprises from Onitsha to other cities.
In his presentation, Dr George Moghalu, the Labour Party governorship candidate for the forthcoming Anambra election, described Onitsha as a city with the potential to drive the economy of the entire South East.
He said, “I recognise the vital role of the private sector in transforming the economy through wealth and job creation, poverty reduction, and value addition to products.
“If elected governor, I will partner with the private sector, especially ONICCIMA, to set things right. I want to be remembered by history for the positive impact I made on society.”
Also speaking, Mrs Lilian King, Director, Nigeria Shippers Council, South East Zone, urged the newly elected council executives to work towards making Onitsha one of the leading business hubs in the South East.
In his remarks, Chief Godwin Okeke, Chairman, GUO Transport Company, decried the indiscriminate and forceful collection of levies by state and local government officials.
He called on the chamber to protect the business community and create a more enabling environment that would attract new members and investors.
Mr Stanley Anyadufu, Director-General of ONICCIMA, said the meeting was convened to review the chamber’s activities aimed at strengthening corporate governance.
Nwonu was elected at the Annual General Meeting of the Chamber to steer the affairs of the chamber for the next two years.
