Governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress, John Nwosu, has pledged to overhaul Anambra State’s revenue collection system if elected in the upcoming November 8, 2025, governorship election.
During an interactive virtual session with Anambra indigenes in the United States under the platform ASA USA, Nwosu outlined plans to dismantle what he described as the state’s “oppressive” revenue collection structure, vowing to eliminate multiple taxation and disband what he called “street terrorists” from his first day in office.
Describing the existing system as a major source of hardship, Nwosu said, “The activities of the state-sponsored revenue agents are a sad commentary on Governor Charles Soludo’s administration. It has brought a lot of tears to the people.”
He referenced the death of Mr. Okechukwu Akaneme, former President of the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OCCIMA), who reportedly died following an attack allegedly involving operatives of the Anambra State Waste Management Authority (ASWAMA), calling it a tragic example of systemic brutality.
“Such an event would never happen under my watch,” Nwosu declared.
Responding to a US-based medical doctor who raised concerns about harassment from nearly nine different tax-collecting groups, Nwosu reiterated his position. “Multiple taxation is a problem that is common, more especially in Anambra State. I will end it in Anambra,” he said.
He outlined a technology-based strategy to resolve the issue, promising to implement a “100 per cent full E-government system” that would automate revenue collection and eliminate the presence of physical tax agents on the streets.
“Under our E-Transport system, whoever registers will be free of any sort of harassment,” he stated. “You’re not supposed to be seen on the road harassing anybody as you like. We’ll remove them 100 per cent from the streets.”
Addressing interstate taxation challenges, especially those affecting commercial transporters, Nwosu proposed a coordinated policy through the South East Governors Forum. He suggested a unified, computerised sticker system similar to that in the South West, aimed at preventing duplicate levies across the region.
“It will be done in such a way that if you registered in Anambra State, 50 per cent of the tariff will be remitted to the state, while 50 per cent will be shared among the other states,” he explained. “The sticker will have features that would enable a smart phone to authenticate its genuineness.”
Nwosu affirmed his commitment to a modern governance framework, promising to involve consultants and professionals from the diaspora to drive the reforms if elected.
