Manufacturers Association of Nigeria praises Soludo, speaks out on tax break for producers

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria has expressed its gratitude to the Anambra State Government and the State Internal Revenue Service for alleviating the tax burden on manufacturers by suspending tax-related harassment and disruptions caused by revenue collectors and unauthorised actors across the state.

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This commendation was made during a high-level stakeholders' engagement in Awka, which was convened by Ada Chukwudozie, the Chairman of MAN's Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi States Branch, and attended by representatives of local government authorities, the Anambra State Government, and AIRS.

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At the event, stakeholders explored practical solutions to address the challenges posed by multiple taxation, overlapping levies, and the activities of touts and miscreants who often harass manufacturers under the guise of tax enforcement.

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Ada Chukwudozie explained that MAN initiated the meeting as part of its ongoing advocacy to mitigate the burden of multiple taxation and the harassment suffered by manufacturers from persons claiming to be revenue collectors on behalf of different authorities.

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She noted that manufacturers in Anambra had previously faced repeated disruptions from miscreants and unauthorised actors who exploited the lack of clarity around taxes and levies to harass businesses, issue questionable demands, and interfere with operations.

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Chukwudozie observed that there had been a significant improvement in recent months following the intervention of AIRS and the Anambra State Government.

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According to Chukwudozie, the AIRS informed the meeting that clear instructions had been issued to revenue collectors and relevant operatives since April 2026, directing them not to harass, disturb, or disrupt the activities of MAN members, and that the directive had been effectively implemented.

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MAN thanked AIRS for their effort and acknowledged that the incessant harassment previously experienced from miscreants and other unauthorised actors had largely been put on hold.

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This development aligns with the industrialisation and ease-of-doing-business agenda of the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, and has helped create a more supportive operating environment for manufacturers in the state.

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The MAN chairperson appreciated the governor for appointing a highly intellectual and responsive leadership team at AIRS and commended the Executive Chairman of the service and his management for their responsiveness, openness, and understanding of the challenges facing manufacturers in Anambra State.

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Chukwudozie stated that the engagement was not convened to oppose lawful taxation but to deepen dialogue with local government authorities and seek clarity on areas of overlap between state and local government taxes and levies.

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The goal of the engagement was to reduce friction, eliminate multiple taxation, and establish a more transparent framework for tax administration.

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Chukwudozie commended the representative of the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the local government chairmen, AIRS, and other stakeholders for their openness, constructive engagement, and commitment to practical reforms.

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She reaffirmed MAN's commitment to partnering with the Anambra State Government, AIRS, and local government authorities to promote a tax environment that is transparent, predictable, and supportive of industrial growth, employment generation, and sustainable economic development in the state.

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Other stakeholders at the meeting also stressed the need to improve coordination between the state and local governments in the administration of taxes and levies affecting businesses.

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Stanley Nkwoka, the Chairman of Idemili North Local Government Area, suggested the harmonisation of state and local government tax and levy administration to streamline collections affecting manufacturers through a single coordinated system.

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Similarly, Dr Chibueze Ofobuike, the Chairman of the Anambra State Association of Local Government Chairmen and Chairman of Aguata Local Government Area, proposed the establishment of a harmonisation committee involving MAN, AIRS, and local government authorities.

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The proposed committee would review areas of overlap, streamline collections, and develop a more coordinated tax administration framework.

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The proposal was well received by stakeholders, and a tripartite committee comprising nominees from MAN, AIRS, and local government authorities was immediately constituted at the meeting.

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The committee, to be coordinated by the Director of Informal Sector, AIRS, Mr Ndubuisi Achebe, is expected to identify areas of duplication between state and local government taxes and levies, recommend harmonisation measures, improve transparency in tax administration, and develop practical solutions to curb the activities of touts and unauthorised collectors.