Borno state government on Tuesday sealed ten mega shopping malls in Maiduguri for default on payments of withholding tax due to them.
Addressing newsmen at the end of the enforcement exercise, Head of Legal unit and Secretary Internal Revenue Service, Mr Ardo Buba said the exercise is in line with Borno State Harmonised Revenue Law 2020.
According to him, assessment notices, demand notes and reminders have been served to all the affected properties but failed to settle their payments hence the enforcement.
Mr Buba explained that the Revenue Service is targeting to generate over 500 million naira from withholding tax this year as it has so far generated over 100 million naira during the first quarter.
The Secretary remarked that the Board has stepped up its tax collection effort to augment the revenue shortfall from the monthly federation allocation in order to sustain the ongoing humanitarian, resettlement and developmental projects in the state.
He expressed dismay that most of the taxpayers in the state are adamant about their obligations noting that tax is a constitutional matter.
“Borno state Internal Revenue Service would not remove the seals on these 10 shopping malls until 50% of these liabilities are duly paid. Opening of these properties without authorization would attract sanction in accordance with the provisions of section 153 subsection 1 Paragraph A to D of the Borno state Harmonised Revenue Law 2020 (as amended).
Mr. Ardo Buba warned property owners not to remove the enforcement seals without the authorisation of Executive Chairman of the Internal Revenue Service or be summarily sanction.
