Kogi seals Glo, Airtel facilities over alleged N360m tax debt

The Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS) has sealed the network facilities of two telecommunication companies operating in the state for their alleged failure to remit tax worth over N360, 035,000 to the state government.

Barr. Saidu Isah Okino, the Director of Legal Services and Enforcement in the agency; represented by the Head of Enforcement Department of the Revenue Service, Alhaji Abubakar Obori, led the team to seal the facilities of the two companies, one of which is at the Mount Patti Hill area of Lokoja.

He alleged that the two companies: Globacom Nigeria Ltd and Airtel Networks Ltd, have both failed to meet their tax obligations and have constantly evaded the fulfillment of such civic duty in the state.

He said that Globacom Nigeria Ltd unremitted tax liabilities which run into N300m, both corporate and individual, and on Social Service Contribution Levy (SSCL) covering from year 2017 to 2021.

He added that Airtel Networks Ltd, refused to pay SSCL, corporate and individual tax liabilities to the tune of N60, 035,000.

Okino said, “The Service has written several letters to the management of the companies to pacify them to pay the taxes they owe the Kogi State Government but had never shown any sign of commitment.

“The sealing of the sites of both companies and their properties was at the instance of a High Court Order sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, and until they pay their tax liabilities, the Service will not unseal the sites located at the Mount Patti, and across Kogi State,” he said.

The agency further called on other defaulters to pay their outstanding tax liabilities to the state to avoid sealing of their business facilities by the Service, noting that tax enforcement is a continuous exercise. (Daily Trust)