Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS) has called on telecommunication companies operating in the state to emulate MTN Nigeria Communication by paying their tax liabilities promptly.
The Acting Executive Chairman of KGIRS, Alhaji Sule Salihu Enehe, made the call while addressing newsmen in Lokoja on Wednesday.
Enehe decried telecommunication giant, Globacom’s notoriety for tax evasion.
He explained that the state revenue service was in a tax default battle with three major telecom giants, but while MTN Nigeria responded immediately clearing their tax liabilities of N60 million, Globacom and Airtel flagrantly reneged on their responsibilities and decided to launch media war against the state.
He said Globacom was sealed because it has been owing taxes from 2017 till date, amounting to over three hundred million Naira.
“Our several correspondences through demand notices to the defaulting telecom companies, particularly Globacom, was not responded to.
”The said liabilities which include Globacom Nigeria defaulting at over three hundred million Naira as unremitted tax overhang, both corporate and individual, and on social service contribution levy from 2017 through 2021.
”Also, Airtel Networks Limited default at sixty millions naira, both corporate and individual tax liabilities. All these payments are to be paid by virtue of a law of the House of Assembly duly passed which allows KGIRS to collect the levies and fees on these premises,” he said.
Enehe denied alleged imposition of illegal tax on two telecom giants operating in the state, Globacom and Airtel.
He noted that KGIRS has tremendous respect for the rule of law and will not take any action that will infringe on the rights of individuals and corporate organisations.
He called on corporate organisations to reciprocate their open door policy and the conducive environment provided by the administration of Governor Yahaya Bello by paying their taxes duly.
