The governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kwara State, Dr. Abdulmumin Ajia, has called on the state government to reconsider its decision to seal business premises over alleged disputes related to unpaid taxes, levies, and regulatory charges imposed by the State Internal Revenue Service.
In a statement, Ajia emphasized that sealing a functioning business should be a last resort.
He argued that such actions hinder the business’s ability to generate income necessary for meeting its financial obligations and negatively impact employees, families, suppliers, and customers.
Ajia, who is an associate professor of Business Administration in Lincoln University, Missouri, USA, said that Kwara State needs revenue, adding that, “but it also needs businesses that can survive, grow, create jobs, and contribute to our shared prosperity”.
“Every business must pay lawfully imposed taxes. However, every assessment must be transparent, itemized, based on published law, and subject to proper notice, objection, and fair hearing. Tax enforcement must never depend on administrative discretion.
“Except where there is an immediate public safety risk, government should prioritize engagement, independent review, reasonable payment plans, and judicially supervised recovery.
“I am equally troubled by reports that many affected businesses may be owned by long settled non-indigenous residents, including people perceived to support my candidacy and the Nigeria Democratic Congress. While this alleged pattern requires verification, it is serious enough to demand immediate transparency.
“I call on KW-IRS to disclose the legal basis and calculation of the charges, the notices and appeal opportunities provided, and the authority under which each affected business was sealed. Any premises sealed without due process should be reopened immediately.
“Kwara belongs to everyone who lives, works, and invests in it. State institutions must never be used to intimidate any ethnic community, political opponent, or perceived supporter of an opposition party.
If these actions continue, we will consult affected businesses, civil society, and legal counsel and pursue every lawful remedy available”.