Nigerian Business Leader Speaks out against Tax Harassment

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The Federal Government has been called upon to intervene in the operations of tax agencies to ensure timely reconciliation of tax documents without undue interference and bribery demands that have been plaguing businesses. This appeal was made by the management of Sigma Coatings Nigeria Limited, which expressed concern over the growing trend of harassment, bureaucratic delays, and bribery requests by some tax officials.

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At the grand opening of Sigma’s Port Harcourt facility, a new distribution centre in the South-South region, the company’s Chairman, Mr. Robert Agbede, lamented that tax agencies often prioritize bribes over due diligence in tax assessments and compliance. “We just want fairness in the taxation process,” Agbede stated. “We go through a lot of hassle reconciling our papers with tax agencies, and we are not going to bribe anyone. We don’t bribe—we won’t. I have a good, quality product, and if I pay my taxes, I will stand my ground. That’s my only issue.”

Agbede emphasized that addressing these challenges would greatly improve the ease of doing business and accelerate economic growth in the country. He noted that Sigma Coatings, a 100% indigenous company, has created numerous jobs and is committed to further investments in the South-South region to boost local employment and support industrialization.

“We are fully invested in this region. When this region thrives, we thrive too,” Agbede said, explaining the company’s decision to establish a presence in the South-South region. He also raised concerns about the proliferation of counterfeit products in the region, attributing it to the company’s limited physical presence in the past. “Sigma is a high-quality product, but because we weren’t here, others started imitating and adulterating it. When you are an absentee landlord, people will take over. That’s why we are now on the ground.”

Agbede revealed plans to expand beyond distribution into full production within the region, stating, “We’re starting with a few distribution centres, but eventually, we want to establish a full production facility in the South-South.” Additionally, he disclosed the company’s new project, Chester Energy, an energy park being developed near the newly launched Port Harcourt facility, aimed at deepening investment and job creation in the region.

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