The Association of Hotel Owners in Akwa Ibom state has decried alleged over-taxation by the state government describing the move as destructive to the hospitality industry in the state.
The Chairman of the Association, Mr. Aniefiok Alexander, disclosed in an interview with newsmen shortly after their meeting in Uyo on Tuesday.
The Chairman said the experiences stealthily crippling the industry and creating a lot of challenges in providing jobs to the teaming youths.
Alexander explained that some of their members have close down their business and also sell their properties due to multiple taxations which they could not even meet up salary payment of their workers.
“Since we came out from the COVID-19 experience we cannot stand our feet on our business again.
“But multiple taxations has worsened the situation and the payment of workers is on the decline as the industry witnessed massive estrangement towards the challenge if an urgent step is not taken the industry would gradually fold up,” he said.
He said despite the unfortunate experience their association has sent series of letters to the Governor through Akwa Ibom State Hotel and Tourism Board since then nothing has been done.
Alexander called on the government to extend the hand of fellowship to the association especially giving them loans or grants for them to improve their business and also should look logically and invest in the hospitality industry and the tourism sector which would attract foreign investors and also conferences, seminars, amongst others to push the economy.
He expressed optimism that with this development, the government would create modalities to make sure the issue of tax becomes history without experiencing any confrontation.
Alexander noted that the association is made up of law-abiding citizens and will always ready to cooperate with the government while government too should understand their predicament what they are facing in the industry.
