By Sarah NEGEDU
The Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service, FCT-IRS, on Friday, sealed up business premises belonging to Phase3 Telecom and Cilantro Restaurant for failing to meet their obligations despite multiple notifications.
Speaking journalists after the enforcement exercise, the Acting Director of Legal Services and Head of the Enforcement Team, Festus Tsavsar, stated that the affected businesses ignored several demand notices, invitations for dialogue, and reminders from the FCT-IRS in the last three years.
He said the enforcement operation, carried out under a court order, is part of the agency’s drive to ensure tax compliance and boost internally generated revenue for the FCT Administration.
“These taxpayers have deliberately refused to meet their tax obligations despite several opportunities given to them. We obtained court orders to seal their premises, and this action will remain in place until they settle their outstanding liabilities,” Tsavsar said.
He further emphasized that business owners are legally prohibited from unsealing their premises without going through the proper legal channels.
“By law, no one is allowed to unseal their premises without clearance from the FCT-IRS. If they attempt to do so, they will be committing an offense. The only way forward is for them to pay their tax debts, after which we will approach the court to lift the enforcement order,” he warned.
One of the affected businesses, Phase 3 Telecom, reportedly owes millions of naira in unpaid taxes spanning over three years.
“We have written multiple demand notices to them for over three years, but they refused to respond. Even after attending meetings and making commitments to pay, they still failed to comply,” he stated.
Cilantro was penalized for failing to file its annual tax returns for more than three years, leading to the court-ordered enforcement action.
Tsavsar stressed that this is just the beginning, as the enforcement team will continue sealing more premises in the coming weeks.
“We want all tax defaulters in Abuja to know that we are coming after them, one by one. If you are a taxpayer in the FCT, it is in your best interest to comply with tax laws by filing your returns and paying your dues on time,” he warned.
While corporate tax filings were due by January 31, individual taxpayers have until March 31 to comply before similar enforcement actions are taken against them.
The agency urged businesses and residents to take advantage of the remaining days to fulfill their tax obligations, warning that failure to do so could result in closure of their businesses.
“Tax compliance is not optional; it is a civic duty. The revenue generated is essential for the development of the FCT, including infrastructure, healthcare, and other public services. We advise all taxpayers to do the right thing before enforcement measures reach them,” Tsavsar advised.
