SIDEC Advocates for Improved Market Conditions and Tax Compliance in Anambra
The Social and Integral Development Center (SIDEC) has commended the Anambra State Government for its efforts to enhance market infrastructure and improve trading conditions during an advocacy visit. The organization noted significant progress in creating a safer and more conducive environment for traders and customers alike.
Speaking on behalf of the government, Chief Uba highlighted the strides made in reconstructing roads and cleaning up markets across the state. “Several roads have been reconstructed in Onitsha, Nnewi, Ekwulobia, and other areas. Before, you couldn’t pass through Ochanja Market—it was a refuse dump. But now, we have the waterfront and street lights. We are even adding security guards at those junctions,” he said.
He further revealed that work will soon begin on the Nkwo Nnewi-Adeleh road leading to F-Line Building Materials after completing the Bank Road. Similar projects are planned for Bida Road and Sokoto Road in Onitsha to facilitate trade further.
Despite these achievements, Chief Uba expressed concerns about the low revenue contribution from markets, which accounts for less than 5% of the state’s income. “A trader who earns five million Naira annually would not be willing to pay 100,000 Naira in taxes, whereas a level 8 officer in the civil service pays a higher amount in annual deductions,” he noted.
The government has increased the annual trader’s tax to ₦17,500 from the previous ₦3,000. However, compliance remains a challenge, with many traders resisting even the former rate. To address this, the government has initiated an enumeration and validation exercise to accurately account for traders and market stores.
“We must know the number of stores in the market, but the market leadership and traders don’t want us to know. They don’t provide accurate figures. The enumeration and validation exercise is currently ongoing in Ogbaru,” Chief Uba explained.
He urged citizens to view tax payment as a civic responsibility, emphasizing its importance in sustaining development. SIDEC pledged continued support in advocating for measures that promote inclusive economic growth and sustainable infrastructure development across Anambra State.
