Cross River Supports SMEs

The Cross River Deputy Governor, Professor Ivara Esu said the state will create an enabling environment for small and medium scale enterprises to flourish in the state.

He gave this assurance in Calabar when he received the executive members of the Cross River chapter of the Association of Table Water Producers of Nigeria in his office.

The deputy governor said that small and medium enterprises were vital to the growth and development of the state’s economy, hence the need to encourage them for the general well-being of the people.

Professor Ivara Esu promised that the state government would put machineries in place to end multiple taxation of SMEs.

“Over taxation will not allow for prosperity of the SMS businesses in the state. If the issue of over-taxation continues, table water producers and SMS operators will be forced to relocate to other states or to fold up their business. We will not allow that to happen because the SMS businesses have provided employment opportunities to thousands of youths to earn their living,’’ he said.

The state Chairman of the association, Mr Archibong Ironbar, pledged the association’s loyalty and cooperation in the bid to turn the economy of the state around.

Mr. Archibong commended the Cross River state government for ensuring a considerable reduction in cases of water-borne diseases in the state since the introduction of packaged table water.