The dispute between the Plateau state government and Telecom giant, MTN, over N15 million tax allegedly owed the former has been resolved amicably.
The state government had earlier seized MTN regional contact centre in Jos as well as well as eight network masts around Jos city over tax evasion.
The Internal Revenue Service of Plateau State had alleged that MTN was owing 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 is owing the state government within seven days and the revenue service has agreed to release their regional marketing center we 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 have put to ensure that this liabilities is paid and this led to unpleasant relationship”
According to him, “the misunderstanding between MTN and the state has been resolved following MTN acceptance to pay the said amount within seven days, and as a result the revenue service has unsealed their business premises.”
He added that the state and MTN have resolved to work together in unity to curtail future misunderstanding.
However, Mr Pam has warned all tax defaulters in state to pay or face the full wrath of the law, saying the revenue service is making effort to ensure that he close the gap between the tax payers and the state.
