By Joy Odigie

The Benin Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BENCCIMA), has commended the ongoing survey of business establishments in the country.

Mr John Imalingmhe, Director-General of the chamber, said the National Business Sample Survey (NBSS) being conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) was a welcome development.

Imalingmhe said the data got from the survey would be useful to both the government and private sector to carry out proper planning of economic activities in the country.

“For us as an organised private sector in Edo, we are sure to get information about the different business establishments in the state once the survey is completed,” the director-general said.

He urged business owners to participate in the survey without fear or bias.

“The problem is that some business owners are not willing to give out accurate data, they think the purpose of the survey is to increase their tax payment.

“Accurate data is needed to carry out proper planning in all the sectors of the economy.

“Business owners should cooperate with NBS in giving authentic information about their establishments,” he said.

NAN reports that NBS in February began the NBSS, a component of National Business Sample Census. (NAN)