Edo Govt To Seal Dangote, NPDC, Barnsley, 7UP Bottling, Others For Tax Default

Edo Govt To Seal Dangote, NPDC, Barnsley, 7UP Bottling, Others For Tax Default

By Admin 

 Edo State Government is set to take decisive action against companies that have defaulted on paying their Land Use Charge (LUC), which encompasses property tax, ground rent, and tenement rate, as stipulated in Section 30 of the Edo State Land Use Charge laws.

 Companies like NPDC, Barnsley Int'l Coy Ltd, Ossiomo Power, Okpella Cement (part of Dangote Group), 7 Up Bottling Company Ltd, Nigerian Bottling Coy Ltd, and others operating within the state without adhering to the LUC payment requirements are affected.

Sources within the state government indicate that the decision to impose sanctions on these defaulters was prompted by their persistent failure to comply with the LUC law provisions despite repeated reminders. 

The government had issued an enforcement notice on July 24, 2025, published in national newspapers and on social media platforms, as mandated by law.

The primary goals of this debt recovery initiative are not only to penalize non-compliant defaulters but also to recover all outstanding LUC debts owed to the government. 

Edo State Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, has stressed the importance of accelerating infrastructural development across the state, a move that has been commended by taxpayers.

Dr. Tunde Eigbiremolen, Director of Media at EdoGIS, has expressed appreciation for companies and individuals who have consistently paid their taxes without needing reminders.

 He assured that the government has mechanisms to reward such compliant entities and individuals.

On August 27, 2025, the State Government's enforcement team sealed several commercial premises in Benin metropolis for violating the LUC law by not settling outstanding bills. 

The upcoming enforcement round is expected to expand beyond Benin metropolis to include Edo North and Central Senatorial Districts.

The Land Use Charge (LUC) is a consolidated land-based tax comprising property tax, ground rent, and tenement rate. 

Edo State is empowered by law to collect these taxes via the Edo Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) and the Edo State Geographic Information Service (Edo GIS).

Dr. Eigbiremolen hinted that the next phase of enforcement will target various sectors including financial institutions like banks, filling stations, trading companies, and private residences across the state.