The Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (ESIRS) has taken stringent measures by sealing Enugu ShopRite and Spar supermarkets, along with other establishments like Roban Stores and Mama Onyinye restaurant. The closure comes as a result of the businesses’ alleged failure to remit purchase tax despite repeated warnings and notices. ESIRS spokesperson, Nnamdi Eneh, clarified that the tax in question is the purchase tax paid by buyers on goods purchased from these outlets, and the enforcement action was taken after numerous unsuccessful attempts to collect the dues.
According to ESIRS HoD of Eateries, Bars, Hotels, and Shopping Malls, Egwuonwu Perpetual, the sealed businesses had been unresponsive to requests for tax remittance, despite multiple visits and pleas. Roban Store eventually complied after a meeting, but ShopRite reportedly frustrated all efforts to address the issue. Eneh emphasized that the closures are not intended to disrupt business but are a necessary step to compel compliance with tax obligations, highlighting the agency’s ongoing public enlightenment efforts to encourage timely remittance. The affected establishments will remain closed until the tax-related matters are resolved.
