The Imo Hoteliers Association has resolved to seek a stronger partnership with the government to obtain tax rebates, which would prevent further closures and relocations of hotels to other states.
The Chief Servant of the Association, Mr Chima Chukwunyere, stated this to newsmen after their meeting with the Acting Chairman of Imo State Revenue Service (IRS), Mr. Justice Okoye, in his office on Monday.
Chukwunyere explained that this appeal comes in response to the current situation in the state, which is adversely affecting the hotel industry.
He said, “Already, many hotels are on the run; some have sold theirs and established new hotels in neighbouring states such as Asaba, Delta State.”
According to him, many more hotels have placed theirs on lease, while some that are not yet leased out are covered with signs indicating renovations are underway.
The Chairman of the Association used the meeting to remind the IRS boss of the need to review the current charges in the harmonised demand notice, with a view to reducing them for easier compliance by hotels.
He recalled that neighbouring Abia State currently collects N105,000, while Delta State charges between N120,000 and N150,000, compared to the N700,000 and N800,000 charged by Imo State.
While expressing appreciation to the Acting Chairman of IRS for his robust and longstanding relationship with the hotel association in the state, especially during his first tenure, Mr. Chukwunyere pledged the association’s commitment to supporting his success during his second tenure.
Chukwunyere assured the IRS Acting Chairman that the Association will ensure that hotels that did not comply with the 2021-2022 harmonised demand notice clear their debts immediately.
The Association used the meeting to remind Governor Hope Uzodimma of the promise he made to their chairman to hold a meeting with members of the hotel association in the state.
Regarding their meeting with the Deputy Managing Director of Eastern Waste Management Company Ltd., Chukwunyere disclosed that it was productive, with a fair agreement reached by both parties.
The chairman insisted that any registered member who fails to comply with the agreement will have legal action taken against them. He added that once the agreements are sealed, all court cases will be withdrawn.
Adding his voice, a member of the association, Prof. Bathram Ozumba, emphasised the need for partnership between the two parties to create a healthy environment for the hotel business to thrive in the state.
Responding, the Acting Chairman of Imo State Revenue Service, Mr. Justice Okoye, while appreciating the meeting, assured that he would take the hotel association’s demands to the appropriate quarters for action. Commending them for their longstanding relationship, Okoye promised a stronger partnership to foster continuous collaboration with the government.
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