Imo Orders Horticulturists To Register, Regularise Operations

Imo State government has directed all the horticulturists in the state to regularise their activities by registering with the Ministry of Lands, Survey and Physical Planning and complying with all statutory requirements.

The commissioner for Lands, Survey and Physical Planning, Barr. Enyinna Onuegbu, gave the order when members of the Association of Garden Horticulturists visited him at the ministry to familiarise themselves with the new leadership.

Addressing the delegation, Onuegbu stressed that every horticultural operator in the state must be properly identified and recognised by the government. He urged those yet to register to take immediate steps to regularise 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 regularise your activities,” the commissioner said.

He explained that proper registration would enable the government to maintain an accurate record of the operators and ensure that businesses operate within 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 regularise their operations and pay all approved levies to enable them to continue their businesses without hindrance.

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.

He emphasised that horticulturists should occupy and manage verges and open spaces rather than for illegal occupants who erect shanties.