The Nigeria Association of Agricultural Product Dealers (NAAPD) has lauded the Kogi State Government for what it described as sustained efforts in improving security and citizens’ welfare, even as it called for strategic collaboration to enhance its operations and boost revenue generation in the state.
The commendation came on Wednesday when members of the association’s State Executive paid a courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Comrade Joel Salifu, at his official residence in Lokoja.
Speaking during the visit, the State Coordinator of NAAPD, Mr Omata Sunday, said the association had been closely monitoring developments in the state and was impressed by the administration’s commitment to governance, particularly in tackling insecurity and improving livelihoods.
He noted that the group was ready to partner with the state government in addressing the persistent challenge of multiple taxation within the agricultural produce sector, which he said had continued to affect traders and disrupt the value chain.
According to him, NAAPD has the mandate and structure to streamline revenue collection processes, eliminate illegal levies and reduce the burden of multiple taxation to the barest minimum.
“Our association is positioned to support the government in not only sanitising the system but also ensuring that legitimate revenue due to the state is properly accounted for,” he said.
Omata added that beyond revenue optimisation, the association could help curb leakages and improve transparency across agricultural markets in Kogi State.
While reaffirming the group’s willingness to collaborate, he appealed to the government for operational support, including office accommodation, provision of vehicles and adequate security backup to enable its members discharge their duties effectively.
Responding, the Deputy Governor commended the association for its organisational structure and focus on reforming the agricultural produce value chain.
He observed that the objectives of NAAPD were in tandem with the policy thrust of the current administration, especially in the areas of revenue optimisation, agricultural development and elimination of exploitative practices in the sector.
Comrade Salifu reiterated that the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo remained committed to creating a conducive environment for legitimate businesses to thrive, while ensuring that all forms of revenue leakages were blocked.
He disclosed that both the Commissioner for Agriculture and the Executive Chairman of the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service had vouched for the credibility and operations of the association.
The Deputy Governor assured the delegation that their request for partnership would be given due consideration in line with existing laws and policies guiding revenue administration in the state.
He added that he would formally brief the Governor on the outcome of the meeting, with a view to exploring possible areas of collaboration.
