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By Sunny A. David, Awka
The Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (ONICCIMA) has raised alarm over the growing menace of multiple taxation and the proliferation of roadblocks, which it says are crippling business activities in the commercial city.
Speaking at the Chamber’s 36th Annual General Meeting and Business Community Engagement held on Thursday, the newly elected President of ONICCIMA, Mr. Chinedu Nwonu, described the situation as a major disincentive to investors and traders who once thrived in the city.
According to Nwonu, the presence of excessive security checkpoints on roads leading into and out of Onitsha has become a nightmare for business operators and visitors alike.
“In the past, we had people from Cameroon, East Africa, and Southern Africa coming to Onitsha for business. Unfortunately, that is no longer the case, largely due to harassment and unnecessary delays on our roads,” he lamented.
He also criticized the issue of multiple taxation, noting that several business owners face constant intimidation from government agents eager to meet revenue targets.
“Another major concern is the persistent negative stereotype that products from Onitsha are fake. This perception is unfair and affects genuine entrepreneurs struggling to build reputable brands,” he said.
The ONICCIMA President assured members that his administration would prioritize advocacy and engagement with relevant government agencies to foster a fairer business environment and clarify legitimate levies applicable to operators.
“We will continue to act as the voice of the business community in Onitsha. At the same time, we urge business owners to regularize their operations and obtain necessary permits to avoid undue harassment,” Nwonu added.
He reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to collaborating with government bodies, the media, and other stakeholders to enhance the ease of doing business and discourage the relocation of industries from Onitsha to other cities.
During the event, Dr. George Moghalu, Labour Party’s governorship candidate for the forthcoming Anambra election, described Onitsha as a city with enormous potential to drive the economy of the entire South East region.
“The private sector plays a vital role in wealth and job creation, poverty reduction, and value addition. If elected Governor, I will partner with ONICCIMA to reposition the business environment. I want to be remembered for positive impact,” Moghalu pledged.
Also speaking, Mrs. Lilian King, Director of the Nigeria Shippers Council (South East Zone), urged the new ONICCIMA leadership to work towards restoring Onitsha’s status as a major business hub in the region.
In his remarks, Chief Godwin Okeke, Chairman of GUO Transport Company, condemned the indiscriminate and forceful collection of levies by State and local government agents. He called on the Chamber to safeguard its members’ interests and create a more conducive environment to attract investors.
Mr. Stanley Anyadufu, Director-General of ONICCIMA, explained that the meeting was organized to review the Chamber’s activities and strengthen corporate governance.
Mr. Nwonu was formally elected at the meeting to lead ONICCIMA for the next two years.
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