Refusal to Remit
Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS) has sealed the network facilities of two telecommunication companies for their “refusal to remit tax liabilities worth N360,035,000.”
Defaulting Firms
The Director of Legal Services and Enforcement, Saidu Isah Okino, represented by Head of Enforcement Department, Alhaji Abubakar Obori, who led the team, named the ‘defaulting’ telecoms firms as Globacom and Airtel.
Globacom’s Unremitted Liabilities
On the taxes owed by the two companies, Okino stated: “Globacom Nigeria Limited’s unremitted liabilities run into N300,000,000), both corporate and individual, and on Social Service Contribution Levy (SSCL) covering year 2017 through year 2021.
Airtel’s SSC Levy
“Also, Airtel Networks Limited defaults on the Social Service Contribution (SSC) Levy, and on corporate and individual tax liabilities to the tune of N60,035,000.”
Written Several Letters
According to him, “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.”
High Court Order
He added: “The sealing of the sites and 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 the state.”
Other Defaulters
Okino called on other defaulters to pay their outstanding tax liabilities to avoid sealing of their business premises.