Anambra State Manufacturers Hail Tax Reforms, Advocate Harmonised Revenue Collection Framework
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has expressed strong support for the Anambra State Government’s recent initiatives aimed at alleviating the tax burden on manufacturers and curbing the menace of unauthorised revenue collectors. This commendation underscores a significant step towards fostering a more conducive business environment in the state.
During a pivotal stakeholders’ meeting held in Awka, manufacturers, state officials, local government representatives, and tax authorities convened to deliberate on critical reforms designed to tackle the persistent challenges of multiple taxation and enhance the overall ease of doing business. The meeting, spearheaded by Lady Ada Chukwudozie, Chairperson of MAN’s Anambra, Enugu, and Ebonyi States Branch, focused on resolving issues stemming from overlapping tax obligations and the disruptive activities of individuals impersonating revenue collectors.
Lady Chukwudozie highlighted that manufacturers in Anambra have long endured disruptions caused by unauthorised actors who capitalised on ambiguities in tax administration to extort businesses and impede their operations. However, she noted a marked improvement following targeted interventions by the Anambra State Government and the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service (AIRS). According to her, the AIRS confirmed at the meeting that since April 2026, a directive has been in effect, prohibiting authorised revenue collectors and enforcement personnel from harassing, disrupting, or interfering with the operations of MAN members. This directive, she affirmed, has been effectively implemented.
“MAN appreciates AIRS for this intervention,” stated Lady Chukwudozie. “The persistent harassment previously experienced from miscreants and unauthorised actors has largely been halted, creating a more conducive environment for manufacturing activities.” She further emphasised that this development aligns with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s agenda for industrialisation and ease of doing business, by cultivating a more predictable operational landscape for both investors and manufacturers.
MAN reiterated its commitment to fulfilling legitimate tax obligations, while simultaneously advocating for enhanced clarity and coordination among state and local government tax authorities. The objective is to eliminate instances of multiple taxation, mitigate disputes, and bolster transparency in the revenue collection process. The association also lauded the leadership of AIRS, local government authorities, and the Anambra State Government for their proactive engagement in seeking practical solutions to long-standing tax administration challenges.
The association reaffirmed its dedication to collaborating with government institutions to establish a transparent, predictable, and investment-friendly tax system that can effectively support industrial growth, job creation, and sustainable economic development.
Further discussions at the meeting saw other stakeholders echoing the call for improved coordination between state and local government entities to streamline taxes and levies impacting businesses. Stanley Nkwoka, Chairman of Idemili North Local Government Area, championed a harmonised tax collection framework that would enable manufacturers to engage with a single, coordinated system rather than navigating multiple agencies.
Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Chibueze Ofobuike, Chairman of the Anambra State Association of Local Government Chairmen and Chairman of Aguata Local Government Area, proposed the formation of a joint committee. This committee, comprising representatives from MAN, AIRS, and local government councils, would be tasked with identifying areas of tax duplication, harmonising tax administration, and simplifying revenue collection processes.
This proposal garnered widespread support, leading to the immediate inauguration of a tripartite committee. This committee, to be coordinated by Mr. Ndubuisi Achebe, Director of Informal Sector at AIRS, will review existing tax and levy structures for duplication, recommend harmonisation measures, enhance transparency in tax administration, and devise strategies to effectively curb the activities of unauthorised revenue collectors.
