The Anambra State Government has closed no fewer than 25 banks and hotels in the state capital, Awka, for failing to pay state taxes and levies.
The Anambra State Internal Revenue Service (AIRS) sealed the facilities over the weekend.
WITHIN NIGERIA gathered that levies mainly comprised of sanitation, business premises and sundry government taxes.
The Anambra State Internal Revenue Service’s desk officer in charge of the Anambra State Waste Management Authority (ASWAMA), Mr. James-Morgan Ezeodili, said the enforcement was carried out in response to a court order to seal off the businesses on August 11, 2022.
“This is because of their refusal or failure to appear in court, after being served with writ of summons, as they refused to pay stipulated levies to state government.
“The exercise (sealing of businesses) was part of the state government’s resolve to boost its revenue, and to ensure that the environment was clean by removal of wastes across the roads and streets in the state.”
Some of the facilities sealed are: Nigeria Police Force Micro Finance Bank, Mumbai Festus Hotel, Finotel Classic Hotel, and Shalom Hotel, all in Awka.
Others include: Zaramax Hotel, New World Lounge, Summit Splendor Hotel, Ndiolu Micro Finance Bank, Landmark Hotel Nibo, among others.