By Nwabueze Okonkwo

ONITSHA— Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, ONICCIMA, has decried cases of multiple taxation in Anambra State and called on the state government and appropriate authorities to check the trend.

President of the Chamber, Dr. Tim Anosike, who made the call yesterday in Onitsha, during ONICCIMA’s 25th annual luncheon and award ceremony, said multiple taxation and illegal levies were hindering the growth and survival of small and medium enterprises in the state.

Anosike lamented that so many people were engaged in collection of taxes and levies from business operators, petty traders, transporters, among others, saying the collectors were mostly found in markets, motor parks, junctions and on the streets without identities.

He asked the state government to publish and publicize all its approved taxes, levies and agencies authorized for collections, as part of moves to curb the ugly trend.

The President commended Governor Willie Obiano for his effort at beautifying Onitsha.

He said: “The state has never had it so good in recent years. We commend Obiano and the various arms of our security agencies.

“However, the Chamber cautions that nobody should go back to sleep. The current security measures should be stepped up in every part of the state, particularly at this festive period, until all the criminals flee the state for good.”