Anambra State Partners with SIDEC,TJ&GP To Enhance Matket Revenue

The Anambra state commissioner for Environment, Dr. Felix Odimegwu, has announced a partnership with the Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC) and the Tax Justice and Governance Platform (TJ&GP). This collaboration aims to improve tax awareness and enhance the state’s revenue generation efforts.

During a recent visit, Dr. Odimegwu commended SIDEC for its contributions to community advocacy and its alignment with government initiatives to boost the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). He praised the organization’s grassroots approach in sensitizing market traders about taxation and local levies, emphasizing the importance of these discussions for the administration of Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo as they prepare for upcoming budget planning.

“This partnership marks a proactive step toward enhancing the economic stability of Anambra State’s markets and fostering a culture of tax compliance among traders, ultimately benefiting the wider community,” Odimegwu added.

Mrs. Ugochi Ehiahunuike, Director of SIDEC, highlighted the purpose of their visit, shedding light on the “Tax for Service Project,” which is implemented in collaboration with the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre and has received funding from Oxfam Nigeria. She noted that the project has made significant contributions to improving revenue collection in the state through extensive surveys and reports. Moving forward, SIDEC plans to enhance working relationships in the markets by promoting dialogue sessions and capacity-building initiatives to better disseminate vital information.

Mr. Alfred Ajayi, a media consultant and member of the Tax Justice and Governance Platform, stressed the positive impact of the “Tax for Service Project” on the state’s IGR. He emphasized that when traders see tangible benefits, such as solar streetlights, fire trucks, modern toilet facilities, overhead tanks, CCTV cameras, and other essential amenities that the improved revenue can provide, they are more inclined to fulfill their tax obligations.

Also present at the meeting were Mr. Obodogha Tochukwu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment; Rev. Sis. Okeke Monique, Director of EHPC; Prof. Uche Collins Nwaogwugwu, Director of SIDEC; Bruno Chinaecherem, ICT Officer; Chibueze Ughala, Project Officer at SIDEC; and Ifeanyi Okonkwo, Reporter for SIDEC.