March 23, 2022

The Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS), on Tuesday sealed the network facilities of Globacom Nigeria Ltd., and Airtel Networks Ltd., for defaulting in remitting over N360 million tax liabilities.

Globacom and Airtel are the two telecommunication companies operating in Kogi.

Mr. Saidu Okino, KGSIRS Director of Legal Services and Enforcement, who led a team of enforcement officers out, sealed the facilities located on the Mount Patti, Lokoja and across the state.

Okino, represented by the Head of Enforcement Department of the Revenue Service, Alhaji Abubakar Obori, lamented the recalcitrant posture of the two telecom companies for refusing to meet their tax obligations to the state.

“It’s very unfortunate that both firms have consistently evaded the fulfillment of their obligations to the state and have accumulated liabilities to the tune of N360,035,000.00.

“By our records, Globacom Nigeria Ltd., Kogi State, unremitted tax liabilities run into N300,000,000, while that of Airtel is N60,035,000.

“These liabilities of the two defaulting firms cover both corporate, individual, Social Service Contribution Levy (SSCL) from 2017 to 2021,” he explained.

According to him, “as a service, we have written several letters to the Managements of the two companies to pacify them to pay the taxes they owe the Kogi State Government but they have never shown any sign of commitment.”

He stated that the sealing of the sites and properties was at the instance of a State High Court Order, and that until they pay their tax liabilities, their services would not be unsealed.

Okino warned other companies operating in the state to always pay their outstanding tax liabilities to avoid the wrath of the law.

He said that the service would not hesitate to seal up their business facilities as tax enforcement procedures remain a continuous exercise. (NAN)