The Kaduna State Government said it has sealed telecoms masts linked to Nigeria’s top mobile network operators (MNOs) over alleged ₦5.8 billion indebtedness.
The sealing of the telecoms masts affected the four leading mobile network operators, MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Glo and 9mobile.
The Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS) said it took the decisive step to enforce tax compliance among telecoms companies operating in the state.
The sealing of the telecoms masts comes as part of Kaduna State Government’s efforts to meet its revenue collection target of ₦120 billion for year 2024, as outlined by Uba Sani, Kaduna State Governor.
KADIRS, in partnership with Kaduna State Urban Planning and Development Agency (KASUPDA), enforced the closure of numerous telecommunication masts statewide, as sanctioned by Section 104 of the Personal Income Tax Act, the government said.
According to the government, among the masts sealed are those belonging to the underlisted major telecoms including
- 1. MTN mast (IHS) – Tafawa Balewa Way, Unguwan Rimi, Kaduna.
- 2. GLO Mast – Shehu Laminu Road, Unguwan Rimi, Kaduna.
- 3. MTN Mast (IHS) – Surami Road, Unguwan Rimi, Kaduna.
- 4. MTN Mast (IHS) – Etsu Road, Unguwan Rimi, Kaduna.
- 5. MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9-Mobile Masts (ATC) – Nagwamatse Road, Kaduna.
- 6. MTN (IHS) – Nagwamatse Road, Unguwan Rimi, Kaduna.
- 7. MTN (IHS) – Shehu Laminu Road, Unguwan Rimi, Kaduna.
The tax liabilities established by KASUPDA for these telecommunication masts amount to a staggering N5.8 billion.
According to the government, the latest crackdown highlights the state government’s commitment to ensuring that all businesses, including telecoms companies, fulfill their tax obligations for the development of Kaduna State.
