June 18, (THEWILL) – In the past few weeks, Benue State Internal Revenue Service (BIRS), had a running battle with some companies operating in the state over their inability to fulfil financial obligations, amounting to the tune of N651,627,581 after due assessment.
The chairman of the revenue body while leading the task force, noted that her action became necessary after exhausting all forms of diplomacy and giving the affected companies ample time to comply; stating that the government is in need of money to pay workers and infrastructural development and other basic needs for the citizenry.
“Our action is pursuant to a court order granted by Justice Theresa Igoche of Benue State High Court. The two organisations; Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC) and Dangote Cement Company (DCC), Gboko, failed to comply to their tax obligation on PAYE/Withholding tax and levies amounting to N433,104,395.00 and N218,523,168.90 respectively.
“The Service had sent a demand notice to the company and followed up with reminders as contained in sections 57 and 58 Personal Income Tax Act (PITA), 2011 as amended. We met with JEDC and revealed the figures and gave it 30 days to pay, but failed.
“So, we followed up with reminders of 14 and 17 days, which JEDC still did not comply with and thereafter, approached the court with all our documented evidence and warrant to distrain by sealing up the premises of the company until the tax liabilities are defrayed.”
According to the BIRS Chairman, Mrs Mimi Adzape-Orubibi, Dangote Cement Company, Gboko, did not object to the assessment on it within the 30 days stipulated time by law, thereby, making it final and conclusive.
Responding to a question, Mrs Orubibi said BIRS was mindful of the essential nature of services of the two companies to the economy of the state and residents, hence, the delay in execution of the court order since 13th April, 2022.
“Only the administrative officers of JEDC were locked out excluding their feeder and transmission stations, so as to ensure that power supply to the general public was not affected, so as not to amount to sabotage.”
In a reaction, Head, Corporate Communication, Dr Adakole Elijah, decried the action of BIRS management, which he said had affected power supply in Makurdi and Gboko.
“The sealing of JEDC premises had affected our command and Control centres and other critical operational offices, distribution activities and load allocation to serve esteemed customers and avoid grid system collapse”, he said.
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