NGO task Cross River government on investment in market infrastructure to boost efficiency in tax collection and service delivery

The International Budget Partnership, Global Non-Governmental Organisation has called on the Cross River State Government to invest in upgrading market infrastructure in the state.

Chika Okoh, Senior Programme Coordinator for Tax Equity while speaking at the two-days training workshop for market traders and stakeholders in Calabar highlighted the poor conditions of some markets in the state. He cited poor sanitation and hygiene, inadequate security, lack of functional toilets and waste management systems, insufficient lighting and power supply and poor drainage and flood control systems as the factors responsible for poor optimization of tax benefits.

The NGO stated that these down sides have negatively impacted traders and customers, leading to loss of business and revenue, health risk due to poor sanitary, and unhygienic conditions as well as insecurity and risk of theft.

The NGO urged the state government in league with Local Government Councils to quickly invest in market infrastructure, improve waste management and sanitation, enhance security measures and provide better amenities including good and clean water supply for traders and customers in markets across the 18 Local Government Areas of the state.

The Two-Day Capacity-Building Workshop on facilitating Tax-for-Service Agreements for market Group and CSO’S in Cross River State fostered dialogue between tax authorities, CSO’s and market groups to improve transparency and efficiency in tax collection and service delivery.

By: Archibong Emmanuel

(Snr. Reporter)