Varsity don condemns indiscriminate sealing of businesses by KW-IRS

Abdulmumin Yinka Ajia, a professor of Business Administration and the 2027 governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kwara State, has expressed concern over reports that the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KW-IRS) has been sealing businesses over disputed or unpaid taxes, levies, and regulatory charges.

In a statement personally signed and made available to journalists in Ilorin on Wednesday, Ajia acknowledged that every business has a responsibility to pay lawfully imposed taxes.

He, however, maintained that every tax assessment must be transparent, itemised, based on published laws, and subject to proper notice, objection, and fair hearing.

“Tax enforcement must never depend on administrative discretion. Sealing a functioning business should be a last resort. It prevents the business from earning the money needed to settle its obligations and harms employees, families, suppliers, and customers.

“Except where there is an immediate public safety risk, government should prioritise engagement, independent review, reasonable payment plans, and judicially supervised recovery,” he said.

Ajia also expressed concern over reports that many of the affected businesses are owned by long-settled non-indigenous residents, including individuals perceived to support his candidacy and the Nigeria Democratic Congress.

According to him, while the alleged pattern requires verification, it is serious enough to warrant immediate transparency, stressing that “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.

“Under the Forward Kwara Agenda, we will expand the tax base without destroying existing businesses. Kwara needs revenue, but it also needs businesses that can survive, grow, create jobs, and contribute to our shared prosperity.”