CROSS RIVER , CALABAR – In a bid to address concerns of excessive taxation and improve transparency in local governance, the Calabar Municipal Council has unveiled a new automated revenue collection system.
Speaking at the launch held at Ika Ika Oqua Market, Council Chairman Apostle James Anam said the digital system aims to modernize the market’s financial operations and ease the burden on traders.
“We are putting measures in place to check excessive taxation and promote accountability in the system,” Anam stated.
He described the innovation as part of a broader agenda to uplift business activities and make Calabar Municipality a model for other local governments.
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“This administration has good intentions for the traders and will continue to roll out initiatives that improve their livelihoods,” he added.
Supporting the initiative, the Supervisor for Finance and Internal Affairs, Mr. Henry Okon, commended Anam’s leadership, noting that the system would harmonize collections, block leakages, and boost the council’s revenue profile. “It’s a step toward greater productivity and financial transparency,” Okon said.
Hon. Stanley Nsemo, the State Assembly member representing Calabar Municipality, lauded the Council Chairman as “a leader with clear vision,” while urging him to stay the course. “We pray for strength to see these laudable programs through,” Nsemo said.
From the traders’ perspective, the Chairman of the Ika Ika Oqua Market Traders’ Union, Pastor Asuquo Etim, welcomed the reform and praised the council for reducing daily market tolls from N200 to N150. “The traders will give their full support to this administration,” Etim assured.
Truth Live News gathered that the event drew notable dignitaries including Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Uganda, Etubom Nya Asuquo; Commissioner for Social Welfare, Bishop Margaret Ene Ita; and APC Chapter Chairman, Chief Emman Mbora.
By implementing an automated revenue system, the council seeks not only to boost efficiency but also to uphold ethical governance by protecting traders from exploitative practices.