he Oyo State Inter-ministerial Tax enforcement team on Wednesday and Thursday sealed about 39 firms including banks, private hospitals, companies, filling stations within Ibadan metropolis for defaulting in paying their taxes to government coffer.

Among the firms sealed were Shoprite Dugbe, Unity Hospital Orogun, Ojulowo Eye Clinic, Victory Medical Centre, Grath Nigeria limited, Jericho Idi-Ishin, Ibadan; Dabil Global Ventures, Apata, Ibadan; Funbel Diagnostic Centre, Challenge; Bubble Plus Recreation Centre, Ring Road, Eco Groove, Challenge and some commercial banks.

The action of the government was sequel to the announcement made by the government to embark on an enforcement of payment of taxes, levies duties and other rates by corporate organisations and individuals.

The state government had embarked on the sensitisation and engagement program for citizens, traders, artisans and business owners in the state on the need to pay their taxes in order to improve the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state.

The Special Adviser to the Governor Board of Internal Revenue, Mr. Biyi Oloko said this became necessary because many of the companies failed to pay government’s rates, taxes, development levy and renewal of business premises registration fees despite all the notices served on them, noting that, this contravenes the provision of Section 8 of the State business/professional premises law of 1996.

According to him, “this enforcement exercise has become imperative because the economy of the state needs a turnaround through internally generated revenue, private sector led investment and partnerships. The government is operating within the ambits of the law; both individual and corporate citizens must inculcate the culture of responsible citizenship by performing their statutory duties.” (THISDAY)

•Photo shows Governor Isiaka Ajimobi of Oyo State.

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