FCT-IRS Cracks Down On Tax Defaulters, Seals Businesses In Highbrow Maitama

The Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) has sealed the premises of two business organisations in Maitama district in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja over failure to file tax returns and settle outstanding liabilities, despite multiple notifications.

The agency carried out its enforcement operation, armed with a court order, as part of its drive to ensure tax compliance and boost internally generated revenue (IGR) for the FCT Administration.

The Ag. director of Legal Services and head of the Enforcement Team, Barr. Festus Tsavsar, while addressing journalists during the exercise, stated that the affected businesses – Phase 3 Telecom and Cilantro Village, both located in Maitama, 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 emphasised 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 explained.

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,” Tsavsar added.

For its part, Cilantro was penalised for failing to file its annual tax returns for more than three years, leading to the court-ordered enforcement action.

Tsavsar stressed that this was 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 are 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,” he added.