… Fresh crackdown targets banks, petrol stations, firms, residences
BENIN CITY – Edo State Government has vowed to seal the premises of major companies, including the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), Dangote Group’s Okpella Cement Plant, Ossiomo Power, Barnsley International, 7Up Bottling Company, and Nigerian Bottling Company, for allegedly refusing to pay accumulated property tax, ground rent and tenement rates under the Land Use Charge (LUC).
Government officials disclosed that despite repeated reminders, the companies have failed to comply with the provisions of Section 30 of the LUC law, prompting the decision to enforce sanctions.
Notices were earlier issued on July 24, 2025, and published in national newspapers and social media platforms, warning defaulters to settle their debts.
The enforcement, which saw several commercial premises sealed in Benin City on August 27, will now be extended to Edo North and Central Senatorial Districts. Financial institutions, filling stations, large trading companies and even private residences have also been listed for the next round of enforcement.
Director of Media at the Edo State Geographic Information Service (EdoGIS), Dr. Tunde Eigbiremolen, commended individuals and firms who have consistently paid their dues, assuring that the government will continue to recognize and reward compliant taxpayers.
He stressed that the crackdown is not only to punish defaulters, but also to recover billions of naira in unpaid taxes needed to accelerate Governor Monday Okpebholo’s infrastructure and development programmes across the state.
The Land Use Charge is a consolidated land-based tax that merges property tax, ground rent and tenement rate, and is collected by EdoGIS and the Edo Internal Revenue Service (EIRS).
