Abiodun Pledges To Streamline Taxation Process, Meets CEOs

By Raymond Osho
ABEOKUTA: The Ogun State government has said it had put measures in place to streamline the process of taxation with a view to putting permanent end to multiple taxation in the State.

This came as response to complaint made by Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of 31 industries operating in Ogun State, saying one of the major challenges confronting them is “multiple taxation”.

The CEOs met with the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun on Tuesday August 27, 2019 in Abeokuta, the State capital.
Abiodun disclosed that plans had been concluded by his administration to set up an Investment Promotion Agency to encourage investment in the State.

He also pledged that his administration would rehabilitate all the 236 primary health centres in the State.

At the meeting, Governor Abiodun shared his administration’s vision with the CEOs and sought for their unflinching support.
He disclosed that his administration would soon establish an industrial promotion agency to take care of industrial affairs in the State.

Gov. Abiodun said, “The proposed agency would assist in the facilitation of all available intervention funds from the Federal Government through the Central Bank of Nigeria and monitor compliance with all requirements in order to achieve its objectives. As these MSMEs thrives, big industries will flourish.”

In addition, he said this would provide, “a truly one-stop-shop for Big Investors to know about the natural and solid minerals resources of the State and the business opportunities.

“We also appreciate the fact that no government has a monopoly of the funds and other resources to engender a wholesome and sustainable development. We recognize that for the successful implementation of our “Building our Future Together” agenda in Ogun State, we have to collaborate and partner with other stakeholders, especially the Private Sector. It is my sincere belief that this forum provides us a viable platform for a robust engagement for more efficient and effective Public-Private-Partnership (PPP).”

The Governor further stated that, “Ogun State Enterprise Development Agency is to strengthen the MSMEs and boost their capacities as major producers of raw materials and off-takers of the big industries as distributors, wholesalers and retailers.

“As part of our agenda in promoting agriculture, we have reached advanced stage in the Outgrower scheme. Under the scheme, 10,000 of our youth will be provided with land that will be cleared for them by the Government. Let me assure you that the scheme is a win-win affair for Government, the people and our private investors.

“Our private investors too are going to reap bountiful fruits as Agriculture and Agro-Allied industries will be provided a ready pool of raw materials. This is another opening for public-private-partnership between our State and the private sector. We expect the private sector to be off-takers of the produce of the farmers,” he concluded.