MAN applauds Soludo, Anambra Revenue Service for easing tax burden on manufacturers

…Backs single tax collection framework in Anambra

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi States Branch, has commended the Anambra State Government and the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service (AIRS) for steps taken to curb tax-related harassment of manufacturers, even as it joined Local Government authorities and the revenue agency in a fresh push to harmonise taxes and levies affecting businesses in the state.

The commendation came during a stakeholders’ engagement convened by Ada Chukwudozie, the Chairman of MAN, Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi States Branch, with representatives of the Anambra State Government, Anambra State Internal Revenue Service (AIRS) and Local Government Authorities to address the persistent concerns of manufacturers over multiple taxation, overlapping levies, touting and the disruption of business activities by unauthorised revenue collectors.

At the meeting, MAN applauded the administration of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo and the leadership of AIRS for creating noticeable relief for manufacturers through measures aimed at halting indiscriminate tax enforcement and the harassment of industrial operators.

According to the Association, AIRS assured stakeholders that since April 2026, clear instructions had been issued to revenue collectors and relevant operatives not to harass, disturb or disrupt the operations of MAN members, and that the directive had been effectively implemented.

The development, MAN said, had helped to put on hold the incessant harassment previously suffered by manufacturers from miscreants and unauthorised actors operating under the guise of tax enforcement, in what the Association described as a practical demonstration of the Soludo administration’s commitment to industrialisation and ease of doing business in Anambra State.

Chukwudozie, who spoke on behalf of the Association, said MAN had initiated the engagement as part of its broader advocacy to resolve the challenge of multiple taxation and arbitrary levy demands on manufacturers.

She explained that the Association had earlier constituted a committee to review the taxes and levies paid by manufacturers and gather data that would support evidence-based engagement with government.

According to her, one of the recurring challenges identified by the Association was the confusion faced by manufacturers in determining which taxes and levies were legitimately payable to the State Government, which were collectible by Local Government authorities, and which demands were being made by unauthorised persons exploiting gaps in communication and enforcement.

She stressed that the purpose of the engagement was not to resist lawful taxation, but to deepen dialogue with relevant authorities, reduce friction in tax administration and seek practical ways of eliminating overlapping collections and the burden of multiple taxation on businesses.

Chukwudozie also used the opportunity to commend Governor Soludo for appointing what she described as a highly intellectual and responsive leadership team at AIRS, noting that the Service had shown listening ears, understanding and a clear appreciation of the concerns of manufacturers in the state.

The meeting, however, moved beyond complaints to practical solutions, with key stakeholders making proposals on how to streamline tax administration across the State and Local Government systems.

In his intervention, Stanley Nkwoka, Mayor of Idemili North Local Government Area, proposed the harmonisation of Local Government and State tax and levy administration so that collections affecting manufacturers could be streamlined through a single coordinated framework rather than multiple channels.

Similarly, Chibueze Ofobuike, Chairman of Anambra State Mayors and Mayor of Aguata Local Government Area, proposed the establishment of a harmonisation committee comprising representatives of MAN, AIRS and Local Government authorities to identify areas of overlap, streamline collections and develop a more coordinated approach to tax administration.

The proposal received immediate support at the meeting, leading to the constitution of a tripartite harmonisation committee with nominees drawn from MAN, AIRS and the Local Government authorities. It was agreed that the committee would be coordinated by Ndubuisi Achebe, Director of Informal Sector, AIRS.

The committee is expected to review areas of duplication between State and Local Government taxes and levies, recommend harmonisation measures, improve transparency in the tax collection process and develop practical safeguards against the activities of touts and unauthorised collectors who exploit manufacturers under the guise of revenue enforcement.

Stakeholders at the meeting observed that a more harmonised and transparent tax administration framework would not only reduce the burden on manufacturers but also improve compliance, curb leakages and strengthen government revenue in a more orderly and lawful manner.

The stakeholders’ engagement was attended by the representative of the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Anambra State on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Collins Ezeihe; the Chairman of Anambra State Mayors and Mayor of Aguata Local Government Area, Chibueze Ofobuike; the Mayor of Idemili North Local Government Area, Stanley Nkwoka; the Mayor of Ogbaru Local Government Area, Kenneth Akwuobi; the Mayor of Anambra West Local Government Area, Edith Endive; the Mayor of Ihiala Local Government Area, Engr. Anayo Orjiakor; the representative of the Mayor of Anaocha Local Government Area, Chris; as well as the Director of Informal Sector, AIRS, Ndubuisi Achebe.

MAN said the outcome of the engagement marked a significant step towards building a more predictable and business-friendly tax environment in Anambra State and reaffirmed its readiness to continue working with the State Government, AIRS and Local Government authorities to support industrial growth, job creation and sustainable economic development.