By Chukwuma Chibueze, Owerri
The Imo State Government has called on all garden horticulturists operating across the state to regularize their activities by registering with the Ministry of Lands, Survey, and Physical Planning and comply with all statutory requirements.
The Commissioner for Lands, Survey, and Physical Planning, Barr. Enyinna Onuegbu, made the call when members of the Association of Garden Horticulturists paid him a courtesy visit at the ministry to familiarize themselves with the new leadership.
Addressing the delegation, Barr. Onuegbu stressed that every horticultural operator in the state must be properly identified and recognized by the government. He urged those yet to register to take immediate steps to regularize their operations and pay the required statutory fees through the state’s Treasury Single Account (TSA).
“Anybody that knows anybody (Garden Horticulturists) that is not known to the government, from today, come and submit your names to the government, register with us, tell us where you are, and regularize your activities,” the Commissioner said.
He explained that proper registration would enable the government to maintain an accurate record of operators while ensuring that businesses function within the framework of the law.
Speaking on behalf of the association, Mr. Okey Anaele said the visit was to formally identify with the ministry, which serves as the primary regulatory authority for garden horticulturists in the state.
He noted that although there had previously been a suspension of the collection of statutory levies, the association is now ready to comply with all government directives following the lifting of the ban.
According to him, members are willing to regularize their operations and pay all approved levies to enable them to continue their businesses without hindrance.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Open Spaces and Parks Management, Hon. Mike Akwuiwu, advised members of the association to maintain close ties with the Ministry of Lands, Survey, and Physical Planning, describing it as their parent ministry.
He said proper registration would protect operators from exploitation by unscrupulous individuals while positioning them to enjoy the benefits and support available through the government.
Chief Akwuiwu used the opportunity to inform the association that the government has recovered more road verges and open spaces through the Office of the S A Monitoring and Compliance, Hon Chinasa Nwaneri.
According to him, the government emphasized that it is better for horticulturist to occupy and operate on verges and open spaces, than the illegal occupants who erect shanties.
