Seven telecommunication masts owned by MTN and Globacom in urban areas of Kaduna State have been sealed by the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service due to outstanding taxes amounting to N5.8bn.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Zakari Muhammad, the Head of Corporate Communications for Kaduna IRS, revealed this action.
These masts, crucial for mobile network operation, were targeted due to substantial tax debts identified by the Kaduna State Urban Planning and Development Agency.
According to the statement, the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service exercised its authority under Section 104 of the Personal Income Tax Act to seal these masts because of substantial tax liabilities determined by Kaduna State Urban Planning and Development Agency (KASUPDA).
The sealed masts include:
- MTN mast (IHS) at Tafawa Balewa Way, Unguwan Rimi, Kaduna
- GLO mast at Shehu Laminu road, Unguwan Rimi, Kaduna
- MTN mast (IHS) at Surami road, Unguwan Rimi, Kaduna
- MTN Mast (IHS) at Etsu Road, Unguwan Rimi, Kaduna
- MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9-Mobile Masts (ATC) at Nagwamatse Road, Kaduna
- MTN (IHS) at Nagwamatse road, Unguwan Rimi, Kaduna
- MTN mast (IHS) at Shehu Laminu road, Unguwan Rimi, Kaduna
During a press briefing, Aysha Ahmad, the Secretary and Legal Adviser of the KADIRS Board, emphasized the need for such actions to enforce compliance among companies failing to fulfill their tax obligations.
“We have no choice but to use the powers granted to us by the law to ensure compliance,” she stated.
Ahmad highlighted the unfortunate necessity of sealing properties due to unpaid taxes, stressing the citizens’ responsibility to meet their tax obligations.
She emphasized the preference for voluntary compliance, with enforcement as a final measure, given the Kaduna State Government’s N120bn revenue target.
Shamsuddeen Lere, the Legal Adviser of Kaduna State Urban Planning Development Authority (KASUPDA), confirmed issuing notices to defaulters but noted a lack of compliance.
He reaffirmed his commitment to diligently pursue all defaulters, stating, “The funds belong to the state government.”