Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra on Thursday appealed to traders to pay their taxes and levies promptly to fast track infrastructure development in the state.
Obiano made the appeal in Obosi near Onitsha while inaugurating a multi-million naira ‘International Stock fish Market’ built by the United Stockfish Dealers Association of Anambra State (USDAAS).
The governor, who was represented by Mrs Amaka Ilobi, the Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Wealth Creation, said that the taxes were needed by the state to meet various social and infrastructural obligations for the citizenry.
He said that the state was recording shortfall in federal allocation due to dwindling international price of crude oil and the activities of the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA).
He said that his administration had performed excellently in security, payment of salaries and welfare of workers, construction of roads as well as in the agriculture sector due to prudent management of resources.
“We solicit your (traders) cooperation in assisting the government fulfill its campaign promises by paying taxes and levies promptly,” Obiano said.
The governor, who lauded the project, urged the traders to help in keeping the market clean at all times.
Earlier, the Chairman of Idemili North Local Government Area, Mr Emmanuel Idemobi, commended the traders for committing their resources to the project.
Idemobi assured that the council would give the market the necessary assistance to ensure that it does not suffer set back.
In his remarks, the President of USDAAS, Mr Anthony Muoka, said that the market was built to international standard with 40 per cent of the stalls having toilets besides the general toilets.
“The market possesses numerous facilities like pipe-borne water in strategic points.
“The market was built in a bid to support government’s effort in decongesting Onitsha metropolitan city as well as enhance economic development of the state,” Muoka said.
The USDAAS president appealed to the governor to construct a pedestrian bridge in front of the market to prevent road accidents and ensure free flow of traffic along the Onitsha-Owerri road.
The occasion was graced by the traditional ruler of Obosi, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, traditional leaders from Onitsha and captains of industry and traders. (NAN)