The Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (ONICCIMA) has called on the Anambra State government to digitalize taxation processes to end revenue leakage for proper accountability.

The Director-General, Stanley Anyadufu made the call in Onitsha during a visit by the Justice Development and Peace Caritas (JDPC) in partnership with Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

He lamented increasing non-remittance of taxes by illegal collectors, saying collection of taxes digitally would put an end to such an ugly trend.

He said, 90percent of taxes collected by touts are not remitted to the government, but go into private pockets.

“Collection of taxes in a more civilized manner, inclincludingude digitizing and creating tax offices at strategic points in the city will help people make their payments and documentation seamless.

“You don’t need to be stopping people on the road, blocking major roads, and causing traffic gridlocks in order to collect taxes.”

On the lingering Monday sit-at-home order, Anyadufu regretted its adverse effects on businesses in Southeast, particularly in Onitsha.

“Though some youths are enjoying the sit-at-home as they take advantage of it to exercise and catch their fun, for us in the business sector, it has been tough.”

“If businesses don’t open, sales are not made, income doesn’t come in, it shortens wages. What the state loses each Monday runs into billions.

“We’re even informed that businesses are relocating to neighboring towns where they can easily access the traders. But we’re hoping it will end soon,” he added.

Earlier, Project Manager, JDPC Onitsha/FCDO, Mr. Alphonsus Nwoye said recommendations from the engagement with ONICCIMA would be sent to the government for implementation.

A good initiative.