Imo govt cautions dredgers, miners against illegalities, non payment of tax

Imo State Government has cautioned miners and dredgers operating in the state to stop with immediate effect all forms of irregularities that have jeopardized the environment

The message of the state government was communicated through the state task force committee chairman on Mining and Dredging, Hon Kenneth Emelu at the Ikemba Ojukwu Centre, Owerri.

He warned dredgers to stop dredging where they don’t have authorization to dredge, particularly in areas that have become a serious threat to lives and property.

The task force who lamented bitterly how activities of dredgers have posed a threat to some buildings in Amakohia and Egbeada, stated that government is out to clamp down on miners whose activities have jeopardized buildings and the lives of its inhabitants.

Speaking on the need for miners and dredgers to pay tax, the state taskforce chairman explained that it will help to improve the Internally Generated Revenue of the State and appealed to them to reason with the state government as their support and maximum cooperation is highly needed.

Honourable Emelu recalled that the state government was not interested in the generating revenue through the activities of the dredgers but the current economic downturn propelled it to look inwards for improved revenue.

Emelu who was the immediate past Honourable Commissioner for Youths and Sports in Imo State reminded dredgers and miners operating in the state that section 4 sub-section 1 and 2 of Imo State Law 2012 stated clearly that state government is entitled to N1000 on each trip of sand.

From reports in the public domain, since the law was enacted in 2012 it has not been implemented but the dwindling economy has forced the state government to move for its implementation.

The task force committee chairman who noted that the Federal Government gives certificate of operation to dredgers and miners also seized the opportunity to educate them about certain sections of Imo State levy law 2012 and urge them to cooperate with the state government for improved IGR.

Miners operating in Imo State have carried out their business for over three years without paying tax.

Emelu who noted` that the governor had been magnanimous enough since 2012 passionately appealed to dredgers and miners to show understanding, maximum cooperation and pay their tax as at when due, adding that it is now their turn to reciprocate Governor Okorocha`s kind gesture.

Contributing at the meeting, the Managing Director of Buckingham Dredging Ltd. Obinze, Mr Chuks Osuji, who also doubles as the Secretary of the organization in the state promised that they will work in harmony with the Emelu-led Task force Committee on Mining and Dredging in the state.Imo State Government has cautioned miners and dredgers operating in the state to stop with immediate effect all forms of irregularities that have jeopardized the environment The message of the state government was communicated through the state task force committee chairman on Mining and Dredging, Hon Kenneth Emelu at the Ikemba Ojukwu Centre, Owerri.He warned dredgers to stop dredging where they don’t have authorization to dredge, particularly in areas that have become a serious threat to lives and property.The task force who lamented bitterly how activities of dredgers have posed a threat to some buildings in Amakohia and Egbeada, stated that government is out to clamp down on miners whose activities have jeopardized buildings and the lives of its inhabitants.Speaking on the need for miners and dredgers to pay tax, the state taskforce chairman explained that it will help to improve the Internally Generated Revenue of the State and appealed to them to reason with the state government as their support and maximum cooperation is highly needed.Honourable Emelu recalled that the state government was not interested in the generating revenue through the activities of the dredgers but the current economic downturn propelled it to look inwards for improved revenue.Emelu who was the immediate past Honourable Commissioner for Youths and Sports in Imo State reminded dredgers and miners operating in the state that section 4 sub-section 1 and 2 of Imo State Law 2012 stated clearly that state government is entitled to N1000 on each trip of sand.From reports in the public domain, since the law was enacted in 2012 it has not been implemented but the dwindling economy has forced the state government to move for its implementation.The task force committee chairman who noted that the Federal Government gives certificate of operation to dredgers and miners also seized the opportunity to educate them about certain sections of Imo State levy law 2012 and urge them to cooperate with the state government for improved IGR.Miners operating in Imo State have carried out their business for over three years without paying tax.Emelu who noted` that the governor had been magnanimous enough since 2012 passionately appealed to dredgers and miners to show understanding, maximum cooperation and pay their tax as at when due, adding that it is now their turn to reciprocate Governor Okorocha`s kind gesture. Contributing at the meeting, the Managing Director of Buckingham Dredging Ltd. Obinze, Mr Chuks Osuji, who also doubles as the Secretary of the organization in the state promised that they will work in harmony with the Emelu-led Task force Committee on Mining and Dredging in the state.