08 May 2024
The Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS) in Nigeria has sealed 6 telecom towers belonging to MTN, Globacom and ATC.
The owners of these infrastructures are accused of non-payment of taxes totaling 5.8 billion naira (approximately $4.1 million). The reopening of the facilities is conditional on the payment of tax obligations owed by the companies concerned.
“As usual, we have no choice but to use the powers given to us by law to enforce the law. This is why we are imposing restrictions on the premises,” said Aysha Ahmad, secretary of the board of directors and legal advisor of KADIRS.
According to Shamsuddeen Lere, legal advisor to the Kaduna State Town Planning Development Authority (KASUPDA), the move follows telecom operators ignoring the warnings sent to them. It is part of the actions implemented by the State to force businesses and individuals to fulfil their civic responsibilities.
With the closure of the sites housing the towers, technicians will not be able to carry out the upkeep and maintenance work necessary to maintain the sites. Over time, this could lead to a deterioration in the quality of telecoms services provided in certain regions.
