Tax evasion: Plateau resolves feud with MTN

Plateau State government has said its feud with telecom giant, MTN has been resolved amicably.
It would be recalled that the state government had earlier seized MTN regional service centre in Jos, as well as eight network mast around Jos city over tax evasion.
The Internal Revenue Service of Plateau State then alleged that MTN owed the state government an outstanding tax of over N15 million.
The two parties in a meeting in Jos yesterday reached a truce over the tax dispute.
Briefing newsmen after the meeting, Executive Chairman of the Plateau state Revenue services, Mr Samuel Pam said, “We are just coming from a dialogue meeting brokered by the Plateau State commissioner for Information between us and top officials of MTN Regional office in Jos.
“MTN has agreed to pay the tax it owes the state government within seven days and the revenue service has agreed to release their regional marketing centre that was seized.
“It was regrettable that we have to come to the extent of sealing their business premises because we had exhausted all moral consideration that the service has put to ensure that this liability was paid and this led to the unpleasant relationship.
According to him, “the misunderstanding between MTN and the state have been resolved following MTN acceptance to pay the said amount within seven day, and as a result the revenue service has unsealed their business premises.”