By Milcah Tanimu
The Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS) took decisive action on Thursday by sealing six telecommunication masts across the state’s metropolis due to outstanding taxes totaling N5.8 billion.
The sealed masts included MTN servers located at Tafawa Balewa road, Surami road, and Etsu road, as well as the GLOBACOM server at Shehu Laminu road. Additionally, a general mast belonging to ATC for various communication services at Unguwan Rimi, Nagwamatse road was sealed.
KADIRS also enforced closure on Mudassir and Brothers (Mudatex), a popular textile outlet at Ahmadu Bello Way, for an outstanding sum of N5.2 million related to signpost advertisement fees. Furthermore, Al-Babello Trading Company Ltd, a well-known entity at the Panteka market dealing in roofing sheets and iron rods, faced closure due to unpaid signpost advertisement dues.
Speaking to reporters during the operation, Aysha Ahmad, the Secretary and Legal Adviser of the KADIRS Board, emphasized the agency’s commitment to ensuring compliance with tax obligations. She reiterated that while sealing properties was not a desired action, it was necessary to enforce compliance with tax laws.
Mrs. Ahmad stressed the importance of voluntary compliance, indicating that the agency exhausts all available avenues before resorting to enforcement measures. She underlined that tax payment is a civic responsibility and encouraged citizens to fulfill their obligations.
Shamsuddeen Lere, the Legal Adviser of the Kaduna State Urban Planning Development Authority (KASUPDA), affirmed that notices had been served to the defaulters prior to the sealing of their properties. He asserted the state government’s determination to collect owed revenues and reiterated their intention to pursue all defaulters.
The joint efforts of KADIRS and KASUPDA reflect the state government’s commitment to meeting its revenue targets and ensuring compliance with tax regulations, while also emphasizing the importance of voluntary tax payment as a civic duty.
