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LASG shuts 34 companies over tax evasion

Published

7 months ago

October 31, 2023

LASG shuts 34 companies over tax evasion

The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has closed down 34 corporate organisations for failing to remit taxes worth about N356.12 million to the State Government cover.

The LIRS said the affected companies failed to remit their employees’ Personal Income Taxes and Consumption Taxes by operators in the hospitality sector.

Mr Seyi Alade, Director, Legal Services, LIRS, disclosed this in a statement signed by Mrs Monsurat Amasa-Oyelude, Head, Corporate Communications, LIRS on Tuesday in Lagos.

Alade listed the companies to include NTS Nigeria Ltd., Med-In Hospital and Pharma Services Ltd., Danvic Petroleum Int’l Ltd., Business Intelligence Technology, Avaya Nigeria Ltd., Gladstone Tech Ltd., Courier Plus Services Ltd.,

Also, Kurioucity Ltd., Medilag Ventures Ltd., Future Oilfields, and Seven Six & Ten Ltd. were affected.

He added that 23 hotels, restaurants, and event facilities were also closed for failure to deduct and remit consumption taxes.

These businesses, the LIRS legal head stated, were Blitz Suites & Hotel, Offshoroomz Hotel, God’s Grace Hotel, De Orange Place Ltd., De Santos Hotel, Kentade Hotel Ltd., Chamcee, Chelsea Suites.

Others are Falode Hotels, High Climax Hotel, Chez Moi Apartment, Excellence Hotel, Bereans Venture (Tantalizer Ebute Metta), La Avril Hotel & Suites, De Orange Place Ltd., Milaco Guest House, New World Inn, Model Motels Ltd.

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Rely Maritime Ltd, 4 Seasons Hotel, Dream Land Hotel, 343 North Restaurant and Lounge, and Jade Palace Chinese Restaurant were also affected

Alade reported that the tax liabilities of these companies and hotels, which amounted to more than N356.12 million, have caused the Lagos State Government loss of revenue.

“The agency had previously reduced its enforcement activities to promote voluntary compliance by taxpayers.

“However, certain companies and hotels chose to engage in tax evasion.

“These companies deduct Personal Income taxes from their employees’ salaries at the end of each month, and charge consumption taxes on goods and services purchased by customers.

“Therefore, the renewed enforcement activities of the Service are targeted at such companies, restaurants, hotels, and event centres,” he said.

Alade emphasised the need for compliance in tax remittances to enable the state government carry out projects intended for the well-being of the vast populace resident in Lagos.

He reiterated that failure to file tax returns or engaging in any form of tax evasion were considered criminal offences that may result in financial penalties and, in some cases, custodial sentences upon conviction.

He added that the agency was currently prosecuting some high-net-worth individuals and companies that failed to file their returns.

According to him, the courts have issued bench warrants for some taxpayers in this category and three arrests have been made pursuant to these warrants.

LASG shuts 34 companies over tax evasion

News

BREAKING: Nationwide strike looms as ASUU threatens showdown with FG

Published

2 hours ago

May 14, 2024

Trends Admin

BREAKING: Nationwide strike looms as ASUU threatens showdown with FG

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, says it members will down tools to press home their demands on plethora of issues affecting federal universities across the country.

The union said it will embark on another nationwide strike over management, administrative and other issues plaguing the universities.

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It particularly bemoaned the absence of governing councils in all federal universities across the country among other issues the government is yet to address.

The body which recalled that the federal government dissolved governing councils of the universities in May, last year, has asked Nigerians to hold the government responsible for any decision it takes to protest the action of government.

News

London-based Nigerian boxer dies during his first professional fight

Published

2 hours ago

May 14, 2024

Trends Admin

London-based boxer Sherif Lawal

London-based Nigerian boxer dies during his first professional fight

A London-based boxer Sherif Lawal has died after he collapsed in the ring during his professional debut on Sunday.

According to report, Lawal was knocked down by Portuguese opponent Malam Varela in the fourth round of a middleweight bout at Harrow Leisure Centre.

The 29-year-old received treatment from paramedics at the scene and was taken to the hospital but later pronounced dead.

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The British Boxing Board of Control said in a statement: “Condolences to the family of Sherif Lawal following his tragic passing.

“The thoughts of all those involved in boxing in Great Britain are with them at this difficult time.”

Meanwhile, Warren Boxing Management, who represented Lawal, also sent their condolences.

In his words, “We would like to send our condolences to all of Sherif’s family, friends, coaches and all those close to him at this tragic time.”

London-based Nigerian boxer dies during his first professional fight

News

Women Affairs Minister drags Niger Speaker to court over plans to marry off 100 girls

Published

4 hours ago

May 14, 2024

Trends Admin

Minister for Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye

Women Affairs Minister drags Niger Speaker to court over plans to marry off 100 girls

Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, has sued Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, over child marriage.

The minister asked the court to stop Sarkin-Daji from marrying off 100 girls.

The minister, speaking to journalists in Abuja on Monday, said the plan of Sarkin-Daji to marry off the girls was appalling.

Kennedy-Ohanenye disclosed that she had also petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over Sarkin-Daji’s plan.

The Niger lawmaker disclosed last week that he would sponsor the wedding of 100 girls, some of whom were orphaned by insurgency, as part of his Maringa constituency project.

He said he had acquired materials for the event scheduled for May 24, and promised to pay dowries for the bridegrooms.

Sarkin-Daji announcement was greeted by widespread criticism, the speaker clarified that he was only funding the wedding — not forcing the girls into marriage.

However, Kennedy-Ohanenye said the plan is unacceptable, and that the future of the girls should be a priority, adding that the speaker should have empowered the children.

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She said the ministry will take responsibility for the girls’ education and vocational training.

“I want to let the honorable Speaker of the House in Niger state know that this is totally unacceptable by the Federal Minister of Women Affairs and by the government,” Kennedy-Ohanenye said.

“Because there is something called the Child’s Right Act and I said it from the onset, that is no more business as usual.

“These children must be considered, their future must be considered, the future of the children to come out of their marriage must be considered.

“So I have gone to court. I have written him a letter and written a petition to the IG of police.

“And I have filed for injunction to stop him from whatever he is planning to do on the 24th, until a thorough investigation is carried out on those girls, find out whether they gave their consent, their ages, find out the people marrying them.

“As the speaker did not think about empowering these women or sending them to school or giving them some kind of training support financially. The Women Affairs have decided to take it up and we are going to educate the children.

“Those that do not want to go to school, we will train them in a skill, empower them with sustainable empowerment machines to enable that child build his or her life and make up her mind who and when to get married.

“If for any reason the speaker tries to do contrary to what I have just mentioned, there will be a serious legal battle between him and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs.”