NEWS
Anambra: Street trading banned
… Operators in markets charged on civic responsibility
FOLLOWING recent developments and dangers inherent in the practice, street trading has been banned in Anambra State.
Similarly, the state government has read riot act to fake tax collectors and vendors of unauthorised levies tickets.
Anambra State Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Uchenna Okafor, made this known while speaking at a meeting by the state government and market leaders in Anambra State in Government House, Awka.
Regretting the menace of fake tax and levy collectors, Okafor disclosed that 70 per cent of tickets sold in markets across the state are unauthorised, urging market leaders to partner government in eradicating it and street trading, as well as hawking by roadside which he said was indifferent to environmental safety.
Therefore, Okafor warned that government will not fail in its duties to stamp out such practice because of their negative contribution to both the traders’ businesses and the state’s internally generated revenue drive.
Speaking in the meeting with operators of businesses in various markets across Anambra State yesterday, traders were also urged to take their civic duties and social responsibilities seriously as good citizens.
Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, made the call while addressing market leaders in the state.
Gov. Obiano, who was represented by Deputy Gov. Nkem Okeke, explained that with the level of development going on everywhere in the state, traders should endeavor to contribute their quota as key stakeholders in governance, adding that a lot more of growth in the society will depend on playing their roles as active, responsible citizens who also pay their taxes.
According to him, Anambra traders can only help the government to actualise its lofty vision for the state by abiding by the laws of the land.
President of Anambra State Traders Union, Chief Ikechukwu Ekwegbalu, assured that his members will always play their part in developing the state.
