By Olasunkanmi Akoni
Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State has assured business community and investors in the state of his government’s determination to consolidate and harmonise tax administration aimed at addressing multiplicity of taxes.

This came even as the state government revealed that over 50,000 micro- business operators have been listed so far in the Lagos Business Directory.

Fashola, made the remarks, yesterday, at the Lagos State Day at the grand finale of 2010 Lagos International Trade Fair which is the 24th in the series.

Speaking at the event with the theme, Promoting Business Confidence to Enhance Economic Recovery, Fashola, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Adebisi Sosan, noted that achieving the goal of sustainable economic development imposes on the government the arduous task of evolving sound economic policies that would provide the much needed roadmap for the state’s economic recovery.

He said: “As corporate entities, businessmen and women, the state government is not unmindful of challenges posed by the ever-changing business environment to the survival and growth of your business because it is your success and growth that translate into economic prosperity for the state.

“Rather, we have taken it upon ourselves to ensure that you enjoy an array of incentives as corporate citizens of the state.

The promise

“Presently, effort is being made to consolidate and harmonise tax administration in the state to address the complaints of multiplicity of taxes. This coupled with a number of tax reliefs being offered by the state government on varying terms and conditions would no doubt boost business activities in the state.”

Fashola stressed that it is the responsibility of government to provide the right and enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the state adding that since the assumption of office, his administration had committed substantial resources to the provision and renewal of critical infrastructure that would engender business growth and expansion.

On the 50,000 micro businesses operating in the state, the Governor disclosed that the directory has afforded a good number of them opportunity to transit into the informal sector as a result of increased patronage of their products and services by the members of the public.

“Owing to the popularity of the directory amongst small business operators and members of the larger business community, it is now being reviewed and repackaged as a compendium of business information on operators in both the formal and informal sectors of the state economy,” Fashola stated.

Corroborating the governor, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Adeniyi Oyemade added that the state government would continue to explore the opportunities inherent in trade fairs.

He noted that the participation in trade fairs has socio-economic-political implications, for it helps to cement the fraternal bonds between the peoples and governments of participating state and countries.

“In Lagos State, the private sector has played the leading role investment promotion. Therefore,.it can be concluded and emphasised that cordiality between government and private sector is an essential ingredient in development.” Oyermade stated.

The occasion was attended by various eminent personalities, diplomatic corps, traditional rulers, local government chairmen amongst other stakeholders.