Tax dispute, ownership tussle over Obajana Cement Plant, NACCIMA calls for truce

By allcitynews.ng

As tax dispute and ownership tussle of Obajana Cement Factory continue to generate reactions from captains of industry, the leadership of Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has called for truce.

NACCIMA National President, Mr Ide John C. Udeagbala, who made the call said NACCIMA regreted the recent development by the Kogi State Government which has resulted in the hasty sealing of the Dangote Cement Factory at Obajana, Kogi State.

This action, allegedly stemming principally from tax disputes, we believe, could have surely been resolved on a more conciliatory and amicable note.

Udeagbala noted that the view of the Association is based on some key considerations following the huge production of the plant that supplies key domestic inputs (cement) into the economy and employing hundreds of thousands of Nigerians directly and indirectly. This is aside from its substantial budget for corporate social responsibility outside of taxes.

Another reason why the issue should be handled with utmost care is that shutting off the factory does not necessarily help the controversial issue of compliance on taxes remittable to the Kogi State Government. Rather, a continual operation of the plant would more likely facilitate a faster resolution of the dispute.

“We thus suggest that the company be reopened as quickly as possible to enable it continue its operation and fulfil its necessary responsibilities, not just on tax but also keep the hundreds of thousands of Nigerians in its direct and indirect employment dutifully engaged and, furthermore, sustain its crucial services, not just to the people & government of Kogi State but Nigeria in general.”