Barely two weeks after organising a sensitization programme for small and medium scale business operators in Asaba and the environs, on the liberalisation of the electricity sector by the Delta State Government, following the domestication of the Electricity Act, the Asaba Chamber of commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ASACCIMA), has organised a similar programme on the new tax reforms expected to take effect January 1, 2026.
The event, with the theme: “Understanding the New Tax Law as it Affects Small and Medium Scale Entrepreneurs in Delta State”, took place at the Chamber’s secretariat in Asaba, with Dr. Ugherughe Ediri, of the Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, as Chairman and Rev. Paul Esejo, of the Delta State Internal Revenue Service, as keynote speaker.
In her opening remarks, the President of ASACCIMA, Hon Obi Chief Chinwe Monu-Oduah Esq; said the programme was significant because small and medium scale businesses remained the backbone of the economy, driving innovation, employment, and local development.
Obi Nwanyi Monu-Oduah, however, noted that many entrepreneurs faced challenges relating to taxation, ranging from compliance, rates, procedures, and understanding the legal framework, making the sensitisation exercise imperative to expose the participants to the pros and cons of the new tax reforms.
She explained that the programme was carefully designed to simplify key tax concepts, provide clarity on obligations, highlight opportunities, and empower participants with the knowledge needed to operate smoothly, avoid penalties, and take advantage of incentives available within the tax ecosystem.
“We are privileged to have seasoned resource persons and officials who will guide us through important discussions. I encourage every participant to be attentive, engage actively, and ask relevant questions. Your understanding of tax laws is not only beneficial to your businesses but also contributes to the overall economic growth of Delta State.
“I want to sincerely appreciate everyone present, our facilitators, partners, government agencies, and, most importantly, our business community. ASACCIMA will continue to create platforms such as this to enlighten, empower, and strengthen the private sector. We urge you to take today’s knowledge back to your businesses and apply it effectively”, Obi Chief Monu-Oduah stated.
She expressed appreciation to the Asagba of Asaba, HRM, Asagba Prof Epiphany Azinge, SAN, OON, and his Palace Chiefs for their counsel and ideas, which had inspired her to aspire for success in the leadership of the Chamber.
In his goodwill message, the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Emomotimi Dennis Guwor; commended the leadership and members of ASACCIMA for their visionary initiative in organising the programme, describing the theme as a critical conversation at the heart of the state’s economic resilience and growth.
The Speaker, who was represented by Hon. Barr. Frank Esenwa, representing Oshimili North, stated that beyond oil, SMEs constituted the lifeblood of the state’s economy, and were known to be the largest employers of labour after government, the catalysts for innovation and the pillars of the local communities.
He noted that the sensitisation was not only important, but essential because it was natural to view new tax policies with apprehension, while seeking answers to questions about increased compliance costs, complex filing procedures, and the potential impact on the bottom line of businesses.
The keynote speaker and Director with the Delta State Internal Revenue Service (DSIRS), Rev. Paul Esejo, said SMEs formed the core of majority of the world’s economy, accounting for 97% of Nigeria’s economy, but regretted that tax related issues had led to the closure of 80% of small businesses before their 5th anniversary.
Rev. Esejo, who is also the Vice Chairman, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, Asaba and District Society, stated that the Nigerian Tax Reform Act, 2025, was an ambitious and far-reaching restructuring of the country’s tax system in decades, emphasizing that SMEs should actively manage tax liabilities, adopt strategic financial planning, and ensure compliance with evolving regulations if they must remain competitive.
He added that by leveraging available tax incentives, restructuring operations and seeking expert guidance, businesses could adapt to new tax framework, sustain growth and contribute to the nation’s economic development.
In their remarks, the 1st Deputy President of ASACCIMA, Hon Peter Isioma Okolie, and the Treasurer, Mr Mac Anthony, said the Chamber had lots of programmes designed to adequately sensitive the business community within its mandate areas and urged entrepreneurs to be prepared to take advantage of such opportunities whenever time beckoned.
Some of the participants who spoke in an interview with newsmen, including the Director, NDCCITMA, Mrs Patricia Idiakhoa; the Secretary Ogbogonogo Market Traders Association, Mrs Nkechi Ugochukwu; Amb. Eris Jewo Ibi, of the Working Fingers Int’l Initiative; Uche Onwumah, of the Seroptimist Int’l Club of Asaba, among others, commended ASACCIMA for the sensitisation programme, which they noted was necessary ahead of the implementation of the new tax law.
Chief Mrs Offia and Chief Mrs Egbuiwe, who attended the programme, were also full of praise for the ASACCIMA President for bringing her experience in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, where she once served as Commissioner, to bear in the leadership of the Chamber.
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