Daud Olatunji
The Ogun State Government says it is taking significant steps to harmonize taxes and levies, aiming to mitigate the issue of double taxation that can burden businesses and affect their revenue base.
This initiative was announced by Mr. Adebola Sofela, the Commissioner for Industry, Trade, and Investment, during a strategic visit to the Head Office of Nestle Nigeria in Lagos.
He said the visit was part of efforts to strengthen Ogun State’s relationship with its stakeholders and to foster collaboration on mutual interests.
Mr. Sofela emphasized that the administration, led by Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, is dedicated to capacity building at all levels.
He said that the commitment includes upgrading technical schools within the state to ensure a skilled workforce that meets the technical needs of companies operating in Ogun.
The Commissioner highlighted improvements in land administration systems, which now facilitate faster acquisition of title documents, thereby enabling investors to leverage these documents for financing.
Additionally, he said the government is developing new industrial clusters to accommodate the growing influx of investors and prepare for future expansion.
Addressing the issue of double taxation, Mr. Sofela stated, “We are working to ensure harmonization of taxes and levies to reduce the incidence of double taxation.
The Governor is particularly interested in creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, considering the government’s significant investments in security and infrastructure.”
During the visit, Mr. Wassim Elhusseini, Managing Director of Nestle Nigeria, acknowledged the positive impact of the state government’s business-friendly policies.
He noted that 80% of Nestle Nigeria’s investments are based in Ogun State, indicating confidence in the state’s economic environment. Mr. Elhusseini commended the government’s direction and expressed optimism about the future prospects for business in the region.
Mr. Sofela also appealed to companies across Ogun’s three senatorial districts to prioritize employing qualified residents of the state.
He added that the move is seen as part of broader efforts to enhance the relationship between businesses and their host communities, fostering local employment and community development.
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