The Kogi State Government has disagreed with Dangote Cement Plc Obajana over the validity of the company’s claim of having paid over 14 billion naira in tax to the government.
The disagreement came on the sidelines of an ongoing investigative hearing by the Kogi State House of Assembly ad-hoc committee on revenue at the Assembly Complex in Lokoja, the state capital.
Recall that the lawmakers had invited the Cement Company to appear before a 7-man Ad-hoc Committee set up by the Speaker, Matthew Kolawole, and tasked to investigate State Shares in the Establishment of Dangote Cement, Other Companies
The Committee chaired by Musa Tenimu, while Cosmos Atabor, Collins Musa, Seidu Amodu, Ademola Bello and Dahiru Ahmed serve as members with Muhammed Bello as Secretary
Upon resumption of hearing on Monday, the Head of Accounts of the Company, Olusegun Ogun banjo, told the committee that the company had paid N14billion tax from 2016 till date.
However, the Acting Chairman of Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS), Salisu Enehe claimed that Dangote Cement Company Obajana was not paying taxes due the state, further accusing the company of forging tax receipts.
Enehe said most of the figures the company claimed to have paid are totally incorrect, urging the company to check its record.
He said despite the billions of naira that company is making from the state monthly, it has failed to pay taxes that are due the state and Lokoja Local Government Area.
He added that instead of doing the needful, the Dangote company approached the court to stale payment of taxes that are legally passed by the state assembly and assented to by the governor.
He noted that the lack of tax payment has slowed down the development of the state.
Also speaking, the Commissioner of Commerce and Industry, Gabriel Olofu, said Dangote company has refused to pay for business premises in the last two years.
