AIRS Directorate of Informal Sector, Ministry of Commerce Meet ASMATA on New Economic Development Levy
The Directorate of Informal Sector of the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service (AIRS), in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce, held a stakeholders’ meeting with the Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA) and other market leaders on 16 April 2026 at Uhbet Centre, Awka.
The meeting was chaired by the Assistant Director, Informal Sector, Dr. Ndubuisi Achebe, and supported by the Ministry of Commerce delegation led by Permanent Secretary Engr. Michael Obiekwe and Director of Markets Mr. Frank Iloduba. AIRS officials briefed attendees on provisions of the Anambra State Revenue Law (Official Gazette, 2025), which harmonizes several revenue items, including the former Market Levy now designated the Economic Development Levy (EDL), and set out its applicable rate.
Following extensive deliberations, stakeholders reached consensus to adopt an annual levy of ₦35,000. The agreed fee on Economic Development Levy (EDL) is intended to cover the market levies.
Present at the meeting were Registrar of Business Premises Henrietta Basil‑Ideh; President‑General of ASMATA, Chief Humphrey Anuna; Chairman of Ochanja Market; Chairman of the Building Materials Market, Chief Jude Nwankwo; and other market leaders and stakeholders.
AIRS and the Ministry of Commerce will communicate implementation timelines and collection modalities to market associations and traders in due course.
