ALGON, Mikano, others move to end multiple taxations at grassroots
OLANREWAJU ADESANYA
Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) has moved to protect local traders against multiple taxations and ensure security of those engaged in various traded on the Nigerian roads.
To this end, they have engaged the services of Global Security Services in partnership with Mikano International Limited, to facilitate the effort.
This was disclosed by Ambassador Olakunle Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of ATD Global Security Services in a chat with newsmen after a parley between Mikano International Limited and the security outfit at Mikano’s Head office in Lagos.
Speaking on the task, Johnson said that the ATD Global Security Services had to partner Mikano International Limited to aid mobility for their operations across the federation, being agents for the implementation of Federal Government, States and ALGON’s initiated National Anti-Multiple Taxation Scheme (NAMTAXS) and National Transit Insurance Scheme (NATIS).
Johnson lamented the height of fleecing of “our national patrimony as over N30 trillion get into private hands through illegal multiple taxations of traders across the nation; amounts unremitted to the federal government’s coffers.
This, he claimed, has stalled development and greatly incapacitated government, as the private individuals sabotage the economy with grave security impacts.
He said, “We opted for a partnership with MIKANO International Limited because of their durable Hilux vehicles, which we needed for our operations.
“The vehicles when eventually procured can help to facilitate, our operations which include; monitoring and enforcement.
“Given the lag, we have a week to train our staff because we intend to recruit over 5000 people across the Southwest and after and flag off in Lagos we take off the next day.” Ambassador Olakunle affirmed.
He noted that the initiative sought to have a unified tax structure in the sector, whereby monies fretted away by unscrupulous individuals can be well accounted for and used for the common good of Nigerians.
“It is going to change the face of our economy, that is why ALGON came up with the initiative to make sure every Nigerian, transporter pay one tax. That informs this project, and we are eager to put the security settings in place.
“The security challenges in the transport sector, where travelling is now a dreadful venture, will be adequately addressed as a sticker is readily afforded.
“It has a code-7744. Any driver or transporter that has the sticker pasted in front of his vehicle anywhere he is going to across the federation, having any challenge with the police, military, hoodlums or bandits should quickly call 7744; we will come to rescue.
“The response time will be fast and sharp because we have existing synergy with the States Commissioner of Police, the military, Civil Defence, DSS and other local security apparatus.
“Local Government Chairmen will also form their monitoring units to monitor every local government roads.
“ My charge to our people out there is for them to comply with the order of the Federal Government of Nigeria and the local government who are the grassroots, the rung of government closer to the people in ensuring a sane society where things function properly.”
Mr. Arab Gazi, the General Manager Mikano International Limited while commenting on the partnership, affirms that the initiative will go a long way to rejig Nigeria’s economy as the discouraging effect of multiple taxations on businesses will be abated.
“This presentation from ALGON is clear on what the intentions are, it is a good one in gauging the development of our country Nigeria. To be sincere with you, I personally, being a Nigerian, have in times past been involved in all these harassments on the federal and local roads as much as my guys and colleagues who worked with me. I see this as very helpful in the development of the total populace
“It is also a way to generate revenue which we have always been saying in Nigeria, that at the end of the day if we open our eyes clearly based on the fact that we have a very good advantage which is the population,we.” could generate a way out for the country to cease borrowing.
“This initiative that encapsulated the National Anti-Multiple Taxation Scheme (NAMTAXS) National Transit Insurance Scheme (NATIS) are thoughtful and right on time.” Gazi reiterated.
Mr. Eze Verastus a Coordinating Sales Manager of the partnership between MIKANO and ALGON, who also gave a lead into the business operations eulogize the efforts of the ALGON President Mr . Kolade Alabi the Chairman Bariga Local Government whom he said mainstreamed the partnership with Mikano.
In his words, “ The ALGON’s President Mr. Kolade Alabi championed the course for us to have a unified levy system in Nigeria, which will reduce hyperinflation bedevilling our economy.
“Mikano is more than ready to see this partnership to very good success. In fact, our Chairman is always very happy when he sees this kind of programme that will impact the living standards of the people positively.”