The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has expressed regrets over the recent dispute that led to hasty sealing of the Dangote Cement Factory at Obajana by the Kogi State Government.
In a statement, National President of NACCIMA, John Udeagbala, said the situation could have been handled in a friendly manner. “This action, allegedly stemming principally from tax disputes, we believe, could have surely been resolved on a more conciliatory and amicable note.”
The statement read in part, “It is vital to note that is a huge production plant that supplies key domestic inputs (cement) into the economy and employing hundreds of thousands of Nigerians directly and indirectly. This is aside from its substantial budget for corporate social responsibility outside of taxes.
“Shutting off the factory does not necessarily help the controversial issue of compliance on taxes remittable to the Kogi State Government. Rather, a continual operation of the plant would more likely facilitate a faster resolution of the dispute.
“We thus suggest that the company be reopened as quickly as possible to enable it continue its operation and fulfill its necessary responsibilities, not just on tax but also keep the hundreds of thousands of Nigerians in its direct and indirect employment dutifully engaged and, furthermore, sustain its crucial services, not just to the people & government of Kogi State but Nigeria in general.”
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