By Ugochukwu Alaribe

ABA — Abia State governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has said that his administration had secured a one billion naira fund to strengthen Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs, in the state.

Ikpeazu, who stated this at the 3rd Abia State Small and Medium Enterprise Forum, in partnership with Wider Perspective Limited, in Aba, disclosed that the state and the Bank of Industry, BOI, provided N500 million each as counterpart funds for lending to entrepreneurs in the state and added that Abia is determined to create enabling environment for SMEs to thrive.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Chief Ude Chukwu, noted that Aba remains the capital of SMEs in Nigeria, stressing that with the recession, there is an urgent need to strengthen the capacity of SMEs to boost entrepreneurial excellence in the state.

Ikpeazu disclosed that the state is determined to eliminate all challenges militating against the growth of SMEs in the state and assured investors of conducive business environment.

Reacting to several complaints on multiple taxation and harassment of entrepreneurs and business associations by touts in Aba, Ikpeazu charged them to itemize the multiple levies they are being charged and forward them to his office for necessary action.

He said: “We are determined to eliminate multiple taxation in the state. Our approach is that all demand notices will be issued at once.”

What you will get in Abia is two demand notices, once you pay, nobody will disturb you again.”