FCT-IRS cracks down on tax defaulters, seals business premises

Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service FCT-IRS has sealed two business concerns in Abuja over their failure to file their tax returns and settle outstanding liabilities, in spite of multiple notifications to that effect. According to the Service, the enforcement operation was carried out under a court order, noting that it is part of the it’s drive to ensure tax compliance and boost the Internally Generated Revenue IGR of the FCT Administration. Addressing journalists during the exercise, Acting Director, Legal Services, and Head of the Enforcement Team, Barr. Festus Tsavsar, listed the affected businesses as Phase 3 Telecom and Cilantro Village both in the highbrow Maitama district. He said they repeatedly ignored demand notices, invitations for dialogue, and reminders from the FCT-IRS in the last three years.
“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 offence. 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. “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. “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.