The Ogun State Internal Revenue Service (OGIRS) has intensified an enforcement exercise in the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone to ensure compliance with tax laws and regulations following repeated failures by companies to fulfil their tax obligations.
The Executive Chairman (OGIRS), Mr. Olugbenga Olaleye disclosed this while addressing newsmen during an enforcement exercise at the Free Trade Zone, Igbesa, explaining that the action became necessary after several failed attempts to ensure that companies operating within the zone complied with their tax responsibilities.
He revealed that the agency had engaged the affected companies on several occasions over the past four years regarding their outstanding tax liabilities, but the commitments made by the companies were not honoured.
Represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Revenue Matters, Mr. Jide Sanwo, the Chairman, expressed displeasure over the conduct of Guangdong's security personnel, who allegedly harassed officers carrying out their lawful duties.
"For a very long time, we have been making efforts to ensure that the organisation complies with its tax obligations, but unfortunately, they have not been forthcoming.Last year, they signed an undertaking to settle the liabilities within 21 days, but they failed to do so.
"When we arrived here today, we encountered barricades before gaining access. Two police officers were injured, a reporter was assaulted, and a camera was damaged. This clearly showed the level of lawlessness we met on the ground. However, as you can see, we have proceeded to seal the premises until they comply with their tax obligations," he said.
Mr. Sanwo, further warned against any attempt to tamper with or remove the official seals placed on the premises, noting that such actions could attract legal consequences, describing the events that unfolded during the exercise as unfortunate and avoidable.