Kogi govt issues miners 7-day ultimatum to pay up tax liabilities »

Kogi state government has given a 7-day grace to mining companies operating in the state to offset their tax liabilities or face sanctions.

The state government gave the ultimatum to mining companies operating in the state at a meeting held on Tuesday in Lokoja.

The meeting which was presided over by the Director State Security Services in the state had in attendance the Commissioner of Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Engr Abubakar Bashir Gegu; Commissioner for Environment, Mr Joseph Oluwasegun; Chairman, Kogi State Internal Revenue Services KGIRS, Alh Salihu Enehe, about 20 managing directors of mining companies and their representatives.

Speaking to newsmen after the meeting, Engr. Bashiru Gegu, said government has directed that haulage fees and other taxes must be paid to Kogi State Internal Revenue Services (KGIRS) henceforth.

“Any company that fails to pay the haulage and other taxes to KGIRS risk doing business in the state if found to have paid to any individual or organisation aside KGIRS,” he said.

The Commissioner added that KGIRS may choose to outsource the collections of taxes to consultants, but add that citizens must confirm the legality of the operation of any consultancy firm that is on the field from KGIRS before engaging them in any financial dealings.

The security agencies at the meeting assured of an enabling environment for miners to operate, but advised them to obey the laws regulating their activities in the state.

They equally called on them to be prompt in the payment of royalties to Federal Government and the State Government in terms of revenue.