It is important to note that the Centre for Human Rights Health Ethnic Harmony and Livelihood Development CHHELD also Known as Harmony Centre is a member of the Rivers state Tax Justice and Governance Platform which among others seeks to see that tax administration in the state is Fair, Transparent, Accountable thereby improving tax compliance.
Prayers was taken by Mrs Nancy Ihuduru, the Executive Director Centre for Creative Development Strategies.
Introductions was done by Mr Kelechi Amaechi. Coordinator Rivers State Tax Justice.
Brief information on Rivers state Tax Justice&Governance Platform and the objectives of the visit, which was to seek for partnership in pursuant to a better,improved and fair Tax system in Rivers state. Including the demand for tax for service and Beneficial ownership transparency.
Mrs Nancy buttressed on the Need for a digitalised Tax payment structure in the state which will promote Transparency, Justice and Accountability.
The OPS Chairman Mr G.A.W Agorom in his welcome speech welcomed the team stating that he is pleased with the objectives we have set out to achieve.
He further stated that his passion was for the state to have a structured tax regime that would be so transparent that people would know what to pay and how to pay it and see result of how the tax is used .He buttressed that the present system being adopted by consecutive state governments is negatively impacting the state and promoting corruption and impunity.
The OPS Chairman then promised that the platform will be invited to make a presentations in the general/formal meeting of the OPS after which our partnership will be cemented.
This is because the OPS is planning to partner with other organizations and stakeholders to set the agenda for the next government to follow as regards taxation and other related development plans of the sector.
Mrs Nancy asked to know if the women focused organisations in OPS were involved in decision of the organisation and the Chairman responded by stating that every action taken by the body is a collective one that involves all members in respective of gender.
Mr Dandyson Harry Dandyson inquired to know the communication methods OPS uses to get messages and information across to the public and its members,The chair man responded by saying that each member organisation is required to pass down any decisions taken to all its sub members across the state.
Closing Remark:
The Executive Secretary of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria Mr Chibuzor Raphael Eze who was also present at the meeting while giving the closing remark stated that what the platform has set out to do is a laudable and welcome development pointing out that Manufacturers abd tax payers need tax holidays,and the issue of task force to enforce collection of tax should be stopped as it causes more harm than good for the state. Closing prayers was taken by the executive secretary of MAN and followed by pictures.

