The Deputy Chief Whip of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Princess Obiajulu Ugwu, on Monday convened a high-powered town hall meeting on taxation and revenue engagement in Enugu South Local Government Area, bringing together government officials, traditional rulers, market leaders, business owners, youth groups and civil society stakeholders.
The meeting, held at the Council Secretariat, focused on building mutual trust and ensuring a fair, transparent and accountable revenue system between the government and the people.
In her opening address, Hon. Ugwu set the tone for the dialogue, emphasizing that taxation should not be perceived as a burden but as “a bond between citizens and government.”
“Today, we gather not just for a meeting, but for a moment — a moment to bridge understanding, to rebuild trust, and to shape a fairer system for our people,” she said.
“Taxation, at its heart, is not a burden — it is a bond. It is how citizens and government walk hand in hand toward shared progress. The challenge before us is to make that bond fair, transparent, and rooted in trust.”
Hon. Ugwu stressed that achieving the vision of an economically vibrant Enugu requires the joint effort of both citizens and government, noting that Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah has laid the foundation for accountable and innovation-driven governance.
“The Enugu of our dreams cannot be built by government alone. It will take all of us — leaders and citizens — pulling together with honesty and commitment,” she added.
“Under His Excellency, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, Enugu stands on the threshold of a new dawn — a time when accountability meets innovation, and where governance truly serves the people.”
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of the Enugu State Board of Internal Revenue (ESBIR), Ekene Nnamani, outlined the government’s revenue vision, highlighting steps being taken to plug leakages and strengthen tax administration.
Nnamani explained that improved internally generated revenue (IGR) remains crucial for the state’s infrastructure drive and human capital development.
“We are committed to building a transparent revenue collection system that benefits both the government and the governed,” he said.
“Every naira collected must reflect in improved services and development.”
C. Nwobodo, the Igwe of Ugwuaji, commended the reform agenda but expressed concerns about continuity after 2031.
“The fear is that these laudable policies may not survive beyond this administration,” he cautioned. “We have seen good plans derailed by political appointments based on connection, not merit. People will willingly pay taxes if they see stability and integrity in the system.”
The meeting also provided a platform for traders, business owners and market leaders to voice their concerns on issues ranging from multiple taxation to levies imposed by unauthorized agents. Government representatives responded to many of the questions on the spot, while others were documented for policy review.
Traditional rulers and community leaders present pledged their support to the state’s revenue modernization drive, calling for inclusive stakeholder engagement and sensitization at the grassroots level.
The engagement ended with a joint resolution to deepen collaboration between the government and the people in pursuit of a more transparent and accountable revenue system.
“Progress is not a miracle — it is the work of many hearts beating in unity,” Hon. Ugwu declared.
The town hall also drew a diverse group of community leaders, stakeholders, and market representatives from across Enugu South Local Government Area.
Notable among them were; Igwe J.A.E. Ogbodo (Ohachirieze II of Amechi Uwani), represented by Ogaenyi Chukwuemeka Ugwunnaji, who conveyed the monarch’s goodwill and support for the initiative; Chairman of Topland Market; Ginikanwa Nwosu,
Also in attendance were representatives of major faith bodies, including the Methodist Archbishop of Enugu Diocese, represented by a senior cleric, as well as delegates from the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
The Muslim community in Enugu was equally represented, underscoring the interfaith harmony and inclusiveness of the engagement.
Others present included the Head of the Cattle Market, market leaders, revenue officials, and various stakeholders from the Enugu South business and community sectors, respected community leaders- Pastor Tim Ogbodo; and Stephen Okoro.
