The main office of Heritage Energy Nigeria Limited in Warri, Delta State has been sealed following failure by the oil firm to pay the tax owed to the state government.
The amount of tax owed by the company according to the Delta State Board of Internal Revenue is Thirty-Eight Million, Nine Hundred Thousand naira.
A Revenue Court of Delta State with suit number CW/295/2021 had on the 28th of September 2021, directed the Delta State Board of Internal Revenue to seal up the premises of Heritage Energy Operation Services Limited Nigeria for its failure to pay defaulter tax.
Armed with a copy of the judgement, enforcement officials of the Board of Internal Revenue, Warri, accompanied by officials of the court and security agents on Tuesday morning stormed the Shell Edjeba, Warri premises housing Heritage Energy Services Limited Nigeria to enforce the court directive.
There was, however, a mild drama at the premises entrance gate, as they were prevented from entering by security operatives attached to the company.
After about two hours of a heated argument, they were allowed into the premises of the company, where the Board of Internal Revenue sealed up the premises with a stern warning that the seal should not be broken.
Assistant Director, Government Enforcement and Compliance, Delta State Board of Internal Revenue, Mr Chris Edhughoro, said the seal-up was part of a court order as a result of the company failing to pay its taxes.
He noted that the Delta State Government needs internally generated revenue to drive its SMART Agenda, hence the need for enforcement.
Mr Edhughoro urged Deltans and establishments in the state to pay their taxes as and when due to avoid arrest or seal-up of their premises.
He stated that the enforcement exercise continues.
