Ogun State Government  Addresses Mining, Transport Sectors Tax Bottleneck.

The Ogun State government says it has commenced the process of addressing the challenges of multiplicity of taxes and duplication of haulage fees as well as other issues facing the mining and transport sectors in the State.

The Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. kikelomo Longe made this known during the stakeholders’ engagement meeting organised by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, stating that the process would improve the Ease of Doing Business in the sectors.

Longe added that the present administration was already working on the harmonisation of taxes in the State to address the challenge of multiple taxes and duplication of haulage fees by other tiers of government, especially Local Government Authorities, while also taking necessary action to support artisanal miners in the State.

“As a responsible and responsive administration, concerted activities have commenced to mitigate the burden in the mining and transport sectors. And that is why representatives of relevant Ministries Departments and Agencies are here so we can collectively and continuously work on enduring solutions,” she said.

The Commissioner called on the stakeholders to continue to collaborate with the present administration to ensure government and co-stakeholders were not financially short-changed while acts of thuggery and all forms of criminality avoided.

Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Gbenga Dairo represented by the Director, Planning, Research and Statistics (PRS) in the Ministry, Mr. Tosin Akinleye assured that the Ministry of Transport alongside Industry, Trade and Investment would continue to work in synergy to address challenges inhibiting the two sectors.

The Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olu. Ola. Aikulola said the Ministry would not relent in its efforts at improving the Mining sector, by creating enabling environment for legal mining operations to thrive, noting that government was impressed with the performance of Nigeria Union of Mine Workers, Ogun State chapter, as government approved quarry stone and dusts haulage collectors.

The Chairman, Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN), Ogun State Council, Mr. Sola Aikulola and Public Relations Officer, Nigeria Union of Mine Workers, Ogun State chapter, Comrade Tunde Soneye called for more regular engagement of stakeholders and speedy harmonisation of the State’s taxes.