Emmanuel Decries Multiple Taxation Burden On Entertainment Industry

A leading event production executive and managing director/chief executive officer of Engraced Events and Entertainment, Itoto Emmanuel, has raised concerns over what he described as the growing burden of multiple taxation and overlapping regulatory charges affecting operators in Nigeria’s entertainment and events industry.

Emmanuel said while he acknowledges the importance of government revenue for national development, the current structure of levies imposed on event production companies is becoming increasingly burdensome and disruptive to service delivery.

“We are a tax-paying company and we understand that government needs revenue for development, but these charges also affect event delivery. Almost everything we do is taxed before we even execute an event,” he added.

He argued that the accumulation of multiple fees across different regulatory points was placing significant strain on operators, potentially affecting the quality and efficiency of event execution across the sector.

Emmanuel made the assertion after the successful staging of comedian MC Casino’s Funny By Nature show held at the Eko Hotel Convention Centre, Lagos, where his company handled full production and execution of the event.

He said Engraced Events coordinated the project from conception to delivery, managing all aspects of production including stage management, talent coordination, guest experience, branding, logistics, and overall show execution.

According to him, the company’s focus was to ensure seamless delivery and a memorable experience for both performers and guests.

“We handled the event from the idea stage to the final execution. Our responsibility was to ensure that everything worked seamlessly, from the talents going on stage at the right time to guest satisfaction and the overall entertainment experience,” Emmanuel said.

He noted that the successful delivery of the show further underscores the economic value embedded in Nigeria’s creative sector, particularly its capacity to generate employment across multiple layers of production and support services.

According to him, Funny By Nature directly engaged over 150 workers, while more than 200 others benefitted indirectly through roles in branding, logistics, backstage support, and technical production.

“The entertainment industry has a strong trickle effect on the economy. Once entertainment business moves, many people benefit—from the cast to the crew and everyone behind the scenes. It creates employment and opportunities for many young Nigerians,” he said.

The Funny By Nature event featured appearances from leading Nigerian entertainers, including Bovi, Julius Agwu, Funny Bone, AY, I Go Dye, Gordons, and Acapella, who all turned out in support of MC Casino.