Zamfara State Internal Revenue Service (ZIRS) has intensified efforts to enforce tax compliance, sealing shops and business premises of individuals who failed to meet their tax obligations. The move, carried out by a dedicated committee, has affected over 20 businesses in Gusau and surrounding areas.

The board explained that taxpayers had been given ample time to settle their dues but many ignored the directive. Additionally, some individuals opted to pay taxes directly to staff members instead of using the official electronic payment system, a practice that has led to fraudulent activities.

“We have repeatedly stated that all tax payments must be made through the electronic system, but taxpayers ignored this directive. As a result, we had to seal their businesses to compel payment,” the board’s management stated.

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The enforcement drive, accompanied by security personnel, saw numerous establishments in Gusau shut down until their owners cleared outstanding debts. Abubakar Iliyasu, one of the affected business owners, recounted his experience. “I paid my taxes to a staff member of the board, but my medicine shop was still sealed. I had to rush to the bank to settle over N20,000 in taxes before they reopened my shop,” he said.

Following the action, several other business owners cleared their debts to avoid further losses, leading to the reopening of their premises.

Rukiyya Ahmad Dodo, the Executive Chairperson of ZIRS, had earlier warned that the committee would take strict measures against non-compliance. She emphasized the need for all taxpayers to adhere to regulations, particularly by using the electronic payment system to ensure transparency and accountability.