By Sylvester Idowu in Warri
As part of efforts to increase the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) profile of the State, the Delta State Board of Internal Revenue (DBIR) has sealed off 25 private companies, including schools and Petrol Stations operating in Udu, Warri and Effurun, Local Government areas for different acts of tax default running into millions of naira.
The companies affected included Kepas Petroleum Limited, Voe Oil Nigeria Limited, Famz Hotels, Victory View Hotel and Suites, Step Forward Group of Schools, and Olden Petroleum Limited, in the Orhuwhorun-Ovwian axis.
Also affected were Palmer Clinic, Ekete Inland, as well as Lee Consolidated Petroleum Limited, and Sonik Plantinum Engineering, along DSC expressway.
Those sealed-off in Effurun area included Hajj Khalid Int’l Limited, Winners Club / Hotel, Little Paradise Home & Suites, Teki Bottling, Company, Jomaro Int’l School, and Clemline Services Limited.
The sealing of the affected companies and schools was revealed yesterday in a press statement in Warri and signed by the Public Relations Officer of DBIR, Mr. Mike Epue.
He said that the sealing off of the business premises was consequent upon the verdicts of the State Revenue Courts in Warri, Otor-Udu and Effurun, in cases filed by DBIR for tax evasion and failure to file their annual tax returns within the stipulated time.
Director of Enforcement and Compliance, Mr. Joel Ogege, who led the enforcement team comprising Court officials, security agents and staff reiterated the Board’s resolve to continue to enforce relevant tax laws in the state.
He stressed that it would enable government raise funds to discharge its obligations to the citizens in the areas of critical infrastructural development, as well as the general improvement of the living standard of all Deltans.
Ogege advised Deltans and corporate bodies not to neglect paying their taxes, and to file their annual tax returns with the Board between January 1st and 31st each year for the preceding year.
“Paying tax to government is the civic responsibility of citizens and corporate organisations, which is a veritable way of contributing to the development of the state”, he said
Ogege disclosed that the judgment costs against the companies ranged from N50,000.00 for enterprises to N500,000.00 for limited liability companies.
