ONITSHA/Nigeria: The Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ONICCIMA) has expressed deep concern over the rising number of security checkpoints and the persistent issue of multiple taxation, both of which it says are crippling business activities in the commercial city.
The chamber’s newly elected President, Mr. Chinedu Nwonu, made the observation during the 36th Annual General Meeting of the chamber and Business Community Engagement held on Thursday in Onitsha.
Nwonu described the excessive security checkpoints on roads leading into and out of Onitsha as a major disincentive to investors and traders who once thronged the city from across Africa.
“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 lamented.
He further decried the challenge of multiple taxation, noting that business operators are constantly harassed by government agents desperate to meet revenue targets, thereby discouraging entrepreneurship.
“Another challenge is the negative perception that anything coming from Onitsha is fake. This unfair stereotype affects genuine business owners,” he added.
Nwonu assured members that under his leadership, ONICCIMA would intensify engagement with relevant government agencies to foster a fair business environment and ensure clarity on applicable levies to prevent undue extortion.
“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 stated.
He reaffirmed the chamber’s readiness to partner with government bodies, the media, and other stakeholders to promote ease of doing business and halt the relocation of enterprises from Onitsha to other cities.
In his goodwill message, Dr. George Moghalu, Labour Party governorship candidate for the forthcoming Anambra election, described Onitsha as a city with immense potential to drive the South-East economy.
“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,” Moghalu assured.
Also speaking, Mrs. Lilian King, Director of the Nigeria Shippers’ Council, South-East Zone, urged the newly elected council executives to reposition Onitsha as one of the leading commercial hubs in the region.
On his part, Chief Godwin Okeke, Chairman of GUO Transport Company, condemned the indiscriminate and forceful collection of levies by state and local government officials, urging the chamber to defend the business community and create a friendlier investment climate.
Mr. Stanley Anyadufu, Director-General of ONICCIMA, explained that the meeting was convened to review the chamber’s activities and strengthen corporate governance practices within the organisation.
Nwonu was formally elected during the Annual General Meeting to lead the chamber for the next two years.
