Multiple Levies “Suffocates” Importation, Says Emeka Ojukwu
The chairman of Importers Association Of Nigeria(IMAN) Anambra State chapter Mr. Emeka Ojukwu has bemoaned the imposition of multiple levies on the members of the association by illegal revenue agents operating in the state under the pretence of working for the state government.
Speaking to newsmen, IMAN chairman Mr.Ojukwu regretted the difficulties its members are going through in the hands of illegal revenue agents,who intimidate, fight and molest its members that argued the authenticity of the illegal tickets and levies imposed on them.
Mr. Ojukwu stated that IMAN members were asked to pay levies like yellow ticket, road maintenance fee,haulage fees,container levy,heavy duty levy and park agent fees amongst others.
Mr.Ojukwu condemned the activities of the revenue racketeers that made conveying of goods to final destination an uphill task which inadvertently increases landing cost of the goods.
He stressed the readiness of IMAN in working with the state government, Nigerian shippers council (NSC),Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), security agents and other relevant bodies to ensure that importers pay the right levies to State governments and the right fees on import duty without being extorted.
Nevertheless, he told IMAN members in the state to abide by the code of conduct and ethics guiding importers by abstaining from the importation of contrabands, fake,substandard and counterfeit goods that threatens humanity.
He added; that IMAN special taskforce is working tirelessly with security agencies to stop the importation of small arms and weapons shipped into the country which can threaten public peace.
Mr.Emeka Ojukwu thanked the Anambra State Governor. Dr.Willie Obiano for harmonising the internal generated revenue (IGR) to be more efficient and easy, which to a greater extent will limit the activities of the revenue racketeers in the state.
By karen James Iwuchukwu
