By Sunny A. David, Awka

The Anambra State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to building a business-friendly environment through strategic partnerships and awareness campaigns. This was demonstrated as the Ministry of Industry partnered with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and Price waterhouse Coopers (PwC) to host a Business Enlightenment Session on Nigeria’s National Tax Reforms.

The event, held on Monday, November 3, 2025, at the Women Development Centre in Awka, had as its theme: “The Tax Reforms and Their Implications for Anambra Businesses and Individuals.”

Representing Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, the Commissioner for Industry, Mr. Christian Udechukwu, commended MAN and PwC for selecting Anambra as the venue for such an important engagement.

He conveyed the Governor’s goodwill message to the business community, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to policies that drive industrial growth, enhance transparency, and improve ease of doing business.

Mr. Udechukwu also presented a souvenir to the PwC team in recognition of their efforts to simplify the new tax framework for stakeholders.

In her keynote address, Lady Ada Chukwudozie, Chairman of Keystone Bank and Chairperson of MAN, emphasized the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors for the smooth implementation of the new tax regime.

She urged business owners to view taxation not as a burden but as a vital tool for national development.

During the technical session, Mr. Chijioke Uwaegbute and Mrs. Esiri Agbeyi of PwC Nigeria explained that the reforms aim to strengthen Nigeria’s tax system while promoting productivity and fairness.

They highlighted that “government cannot tax the seed, but the fruit,” underscoring that the reforms seek to broaden the tax base and ensure sustainability for businesses.

Chief Evarist Uba, Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Market, described the session as timely, given that the Federal Government has already signed the new tax framework into law.

He stressed the need for Anambra traders and entrepreneurs to prepare for its full implementation starting next year.

Also speaking, Chief Humphrey Anuna, Chairman of the Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA), commended the state government for its consistent support of the business community.

He called for more enlightenment campaigns to help traders better understand the benefits and implications of the tax reforms.

The event attracted a cross-section of manufacturers, traders, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders, who praised the initiative and expressed optimism that the awareness drive would help them adapt effectively to the new tax policies with greater confidence and clarity.