Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has assured that his government is willing to create the right environment for businesses to thrive in the state.
Governor Otti gave the assurance on Tuesday when he received in audience the management of Nigerian Breweries PLC who paid him a business visit.
The Governor promised that his administration would do everything possible to support the NBL and other genuine businesses in the state to remain afloat.
According to the Governor, his government has reformed the Internally Generated System (IGR) and introduced the Treasury Single Account (TSA) as well as legislated on multiple taxation, all in the bid to enhance ease of doing business in the state.
He said; “We are a business-friendly government and we believe there’s only so much the government can do.
“We have reformed, like you rightly pointed out, the entire system concerning internally generated revenue so that you don’t see people on the streets with clubs chasing citizens and our corporate businesses. We believe that if you appreciate what the government is doing, you will willingly pay your taxes.
“We have also legislated away multiple taxation so you pay directly to the government. We will keep doing that, we know there will always be hiccups, and people will resist change but at the end of the day, they begin to appreciate that what the government is doing is better for them and everybody.
“Our government will do everything possible to support you to remain in Abia. If there is anything we can do as a government, don’t hesitate to call our attention to it.
The Governor encouraged the NBL to be a good corporate citizen and to create more job opportunities for the people. He noted that the creation of jobs is the panacea to reducing insecurity, noting that a lot of insecurity is fuelled by unemployment and high levels of poverty.
He promised that his government would look into one of the requests of the NBL team to repair the road leading to the company’s facility.
Earlier in her speech, the Corporate Affairs Director NBL, Sade Morgan, who led the team, on behalf of the company’s managing director, Mr. Hans Essaadi, told the Governor that the NBL has been operational in the state since 1967 and has continued to invest in the state.
According to her, the company has been discharging its social corporate responsibilities and has constructed and renovated classroom blocks in many communities in the state while its community investment in the areas of health, water, and electricity, has been ongoing.
She highlighted some of the challenges confronting their operations including the poor state of the road leading to the company and requested the Governor to address the deplorable 1.7 km road to retain investments in the area.
Morgan commended the Governor for introducing the Treasury Single Account system which she noted will enhance ease of doing business, granting waivers for their trucks encouraging the government to continue to boost security, and restating their commitment to partnering with the state government.
KAZIE UKO
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
Abia State
November 28, 2023
Alex C. Otti
