Due to problems with non-payment of taxes and levies, the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service has closed over 25 banks and hotels. The sanctions, it was learned, related to commercial premises, sanitation, and various government levies. The Nigeria Police Force Micro Finance Bank, Mumbai Festus Hotel, Finotel Classic Hotel, and Shalom Hotel—all in Awka—are among the places that have been blocked.
According to Mr. James-Morgan Ezeodili, the team leader and desk officer in charge of the Anambra State Waste Management Authority in the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service, the enforcement was made as a result of a court judgment on August 11, 2022. According to Ezeodili, the impacted business locations were sealed off because the owners refused to pay the required taxes to the state government and failed to appear in court after receiving a writ of summons.
He also emphasized that the effort was a component of the state government’s determination to increase revenue and ensure that the environment was clean by clearing away trash from the state’s highways and streets. Mr. Sylvester Uzoh, the Anambra Central Zonal Coordinator for AIRS’ Non-Tax Department, reaffirmed that the effort will continue in order to collect all debts owing to the state government.
Uzor forbade firms and company owners from paying taxes or levies to anyone by hand; instead, they should use the designated government’s account and their ANSSID number. While urging Ndi Anambra to support the current administration, he continued by saying that the payments would ensure the state government would receive the due dividends.
Barnabas Udemba, the attorney for AIRS, made the point that disobeying a court order after receiving a summons resulted in contempt of court, and defaulters would be punished appropriately. In addition, the Zaramax Hotel, New World Lounge, Summit Splendor Hotel, Ndiolu Micro Finance Bank, and Landmark Hotel Nibo had their business locations sealed.