By Asuquo Cletus
Manufacturers under the umbrella of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) have called for tax reforms to ease the burden on industries and boost manufacturing activities in Cross River State.
The manufacturers also raised concerns over multiple taxation and poor road infrastructure affecting business operations in the state.
The issues were highlighted during a visit by the leadership of the association to Calabar, where they engaged with the state government on ways to strengthen collaboration and improve the operating environment for industries.
Speaking with journalists on Wednesday during a facility tour of Boa Yao Huan Jian Iron and Steel Group and Niger Mills Company Limited, the President of MAN, Francis Meshioye, said the association was in the state to discuss key issues affecting manufacturing and explore areas of partnership that could enhance industrial growth.
“We came to Calabar to meet the state government to discuss issues that concern manufacturing business development in the state and to find ways we can collaborate to boost manufacturing activities,” he said.
Meshioye noted that multiple taxation remains one of the major challenges confronting manufacturers, explaining that businesses often face numerous levies from federal, state and local authorities.
According to him, some companies are subjected to as many as 40 different taxes and charges, a situation he said increases the cost of production and creates uncertainty for businesses.
He expressed optimism that recent tax reforms introduced by the Federal Government under Bola Ahmed Tinubu would help address the challenge if properly implemented across all tiers of government.
“The issue of multiple taxation should be streamlined so that businesses know exactly what they are expected to pay instead of paying several levies at different points,” he said.
The MAN president also identified poor road infrastructure around industrial corridors as another major challenge confronting manufacturers in the state.
He said some of the companies visited during the tour complained about the condition of roads leading to their factories, urging the state government to prioritise improvements in the affected areas to ease the movement of goods and raw materials.
Meshioye, however, commended the companies for their corporate social responsibility initiatives aimed at supporting host communities through training, skills acquisition and other social interventions.
“I have seen the efforts they are making to support their host communities, from training programmes to other initiatives that impact the lives of the people. This is commendable and they should continue in that direction,” he said.
Also speaking, the Director-General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, said the visit formed part of the association’s engagement with its Cross River and Akwa Ibom branch to assess the challenges faced by member companies and deepen collaboration with the state government.
Ajayi-Kadir added that the association remained committed to working with governments at all levels to improve the business environment and promote the growth of the manufacturing sector across the country.
