The Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) has sealed off nine companies, including Rongtai Plastic Company Limited, over alleged outstanding tax liabilities of N8.982 billion.

The affected companies are located in Utesi Community, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State.

Courage Eboigbe, Head of Corporate Communications and Taxpayers Enlightenment Service of the EIRS, stated this in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday in Benin City.

Eboigbe listed the affected companies, which are predominantly owned by Chinese nationals, such as Rongtai Hardware Limited, Rongtai Energy Technology Company Limited, Rongtai Building Materials Company Limited and Rongtai Food Company Limited.

Others are Five Star Wire and Cable Company, Xin Guo Technology Nigeria Limited, Changrong Wood Nigeria Limited and Shunda Nigeria Enterprise.

He said the N8.982 billion tax liabilities arose from the companies’ failure to comply with mandatory tax obligations.

According to him, the violations include failure to register employees for Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) tax, failure to file annual employers’ tax returns, and failure to deduct and remit PAYE taxes.

Eboigbe said the sealing of the companies was carried out pursuant to orders of an Edo State High Court.

He explained that before the enforcement action, formal notices detailing the established tax liabilities had been individually served on the companies.

According to him, despite repeated reminders and demands for compliance, the companies failed to settle their outstanding obligations, compelling the EIRS to exercise its legal powers to seal their operational sites pursuant to valid court orders.

“The enforcement orders will remain in effect, while the seals will only be removed upon settlement of all outstanding tax liabilities by the defaulting companies,” he said.