…As Elechi extols Wike’s input to business growth

President of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Mr. Adesina Adedayo, has described the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce as a critical stakeholder that has helped to develop the CITN system, and contributing immensely to ensure that CITN achieves its lofty objectives.

The CITN Boss made this declaration when he recently led a high-level delegation of national EXCO and states district chairmen on a courtesy call on PHCCIMA President, Eze Sir Mike Elechi, at the PHCCIMA secretariat.

He said: “As a body with district societies in 32 states plus Abuja, with only four states yet to be covered by CITN, we see engaging with stakeholders as very paramount, hence we are in Port Harcourt to kickstart a south-south zonal conference – a gathering specially arranged to discuss the national problem that has to do with tax development.”

According to Adedayo, “One of the reasons why we organize these conferences on a zonal basis is that each zone has its peculiar challenges that are not necessarily generic. Hence, we craft conferences that are adapted to the problems and challenges of every zone; that is why we are here to engage with the south-south zone.

“Because we are tax practitioners and tax professionals, we believe that without engaging with the likes of Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce that has a better understanding of the needs of government, even as we are equally mindful of the fact that the various chambers of commerce are very strategic following their knowledge on issues of commerce, industry, mines and of course agriculture, hence the need to engage and synergize with them.”

Speaking on PHCCIMA’s core objective of Business, Community and Job, the CITN President noted that he is moved by these three key areas that basically define the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce. According to him, they are very significant; looking at the arrow, you cannot say which one comes first, the chicken or the hen, because is it the job that comes before you talk about the businesses or the community? This according to him has given CITN a clear perspective about what the chamber of commerce is all about. He expressed gratitude to the PHCCIMA president for the opportunity to visit and enlarge their knowledge base, calling for closer ties between the two organisations.

In his remark, the PHCCIMA President, Eze, Sir Mike Elechi, JP welcomed the CITN President and his delegations, asking them to join hands with him to commend the Governor of Rivers State, Chief Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike for his continued commitment in providing an enabling environment for businesses to thrive – in terms of infrastructure and security. According to him, the Governor has, streamlined the tax system to eliminate double taxation which has enhanced the inflow of investments in the state, adding also that he has established a process of performance, through infrastructural development, projects, and service delivery that has lifted the state to an enviable level, redefining governance and placing the State on a platform of developmental progression to boost the economy of the state.

Elechi described PHCCIMA as a very strategic organisation, the second oldest chamber of commerce and one of the only three premier chambers of commerce in the country. He explained that every sector of the economy you want is domiciled in PHCCIMA and called for closer synergy between the two organisations; especially the CITN state representatives whom he said must come closer and open communication channels so both can complement each other on the issue of tax information, due diligence and statutory tax regimes among others.

Also present was the PHCCIMA second deputy president, Hon Prince Charles Beke, Chairman of PHCCIMA Professional services and General Consultancy Trade group, Dr. Engr Innocent Akuvue, and his Vice-Chairman who doubles as the Secretary of Financial services trade group, Mr. Silas O. Igwe, the Chairman of Financial Services Trade group, Mr. Clement Akanibo and the Director General, Mr. Erasmus Chukunda.

Highlight of the event was the presentation of PHCCIMA souvenir and reception of CITN plaque by both Presidents.

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