In a continued drive to
ensure tax payment compliance, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), has recently shut down premises of default in companies in Lagos State and Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.
The FIRS team lead by Mr Chinazor Edeh, shutdown the offices of Taleveras, an energy firm, in Abuja.
According to a warrant of distrait presented by the team, the company is owing over N667 million in tax liabilities.
Edeh, who spoke to the chief security officer, the highest ranking officer of the company present at the time of closure, explained that FIRS  was not interested in shutting down the company, but that they were constrained to do so since the company failed to pay the balance of its tax liabilities after it paid N50 million in May.
The chief security officer explained that the company was not capable of defraying the liabilities, as staff salaries, had not been paid, consequent upon which the enforcement team ordered the  workers to vacate the premises before sealing of the company.
Also sealed off by the FIRS enforcement team is, Jardin Nigeria Limited, a landscaping/project management company, with an office at Abuja Transcorp Hilton Hotel .
Jardin Nigeria Limited, owes more than N129 million, according to the enforcement team who also advised that they could pay 50 per cent of what they owe and arrangement with FIRS on a structural payment of the balance.
In Lagos State, the FIRS enforcement team led by Anita Erinne, shut down two firms, Guarantee Petroleum Company, located at 21 Salvation Road, off Opebi Road, which owes tax liabilities of $13.26 million and Capital Oil Plc at 43 Adiniyi Jones Avenue, which has sealed over tax liabilities of N81.8 million.