Anambra state government has embarked on massive revenue drive to recover not less than N600 million outstanding tax liabilities owed government by various firms across the state.
The exercise which has already commenced, took place at various locations of the state, including Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi and their environs.
The enforcement team of the State Revenue Service, with combined units of Police and Civil defence officers carried out the exercise.
Anambra State Internal Revenue Service (AIRS) had obtained a court order from a State High Court, empowering it to seal off the premises of defaulting firms.
Some of the sealed companies are Sabrud Consortium that produces Prepaid electricity Metres in Awka, owing not less than N5 million from January 2011 to December 2016.
Divine Favour Pharmaceutical Company, Nkpor, owed outstanding arrears in excess of N5 million from 2010 to 2015.
The enforcement team also sealed off the Nelly New Town Hotels and Suites, Oba, for evading tax to the tune of N8 million between 2014 and 2016.
Ejiamatu Microfinance Bank, Ojoto, was also sealed off for owing about N16 million.
Eteleson Industries, Ogbunike, owed the state about N21 million from 2010 to 2015.
The enforcement team sealed off Delendu Aluminum Manufacturing Company, Onitsha, for evading tax to the tune of about N8 million between 2016 and 2017.
Chairman of AIRS, Dr David Nzekwu while speaking during the exercise, noted that they obtained a court order from the state High Court before embarking on the exercise.
He added that the team had not molested any individual, but acted according to the court order.
Nzekwu explained that it was expected of every new company to register within six months of operation and render their tax returns in respect of companies and individuals’ financial strength.
He cautioned that any attempt to break the seal would be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of the relevant sections of the law.
“Government will continue sealing off defaulting establishments, be it hotels, schools or others,” he added.
Emmanuel Ndukuba, Awka
