Imo hoteliers decry overtaxation, seek government intervention

By Victor Nwachukwu

The Imo Hoteliers Association has decried what it described as overtaxation of hotels in the state and called for the state government’s intervention.

Chairman of the association, Mr Chima Chukwunyere, made the call while addressing newsmen in Owerri, on Saturday.

Chukwunyere thanked the state government for streamlining payment of taxes through the state’s Treasury Single Account (TSA).

He however said that the method has remained the same until recently when a private company approached the association, insisting that it had agreed to take over the collection of taxes from businesses in the state.

According to him, the remittal to the TSA, backed by Imo law no. 5 of 2020, should remain in vogue until the state government or its legally established representative communicates otherwise.

Mr Chima Chukwunyere, Chairman, Imo Hoteliers Association

He therefore wondered why a private company, identified as Eastern Waste Management Company limited would parade itself as being in partnership with the state government without an official notice from the government.

He therefore called on the state government to intervene to stem the tide of multiple taxation and overtaxation so as to save the hospitality industry in the state.

“ We have been completely taken aback by a private company which claims to be in a Public Private Partnership with the state government and who have threatened to shut down our operations, yet without an official notice.

“ Our lawyers say this is an aberration of status quo and only the state government that deals directly with us reserves the right to collect the taxes unless we are duly, officially communicated by government or its legal representative “, he said.

Chukwunyere urged hoteliers in the state not to be intimidated by threats that have no legal undertone and to carry out their lawful duties without fear of harassment.