National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Taiwo Niyi
The Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KW-IRS) has firmly denied recent allegations of discriminatory tax practices against Igbo traders, as reported by the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR).
In a statement released in Ilorin on Saturday, Funmilola Oguntunbi, head of the Corporate Affairs Department at KW-IRS, described the allegations as baseless and malicious, asserting they are intended to create division.
The controversy stems from a legal dispute with the Kwara State Igbo Traders Association (KWAITA), which sued the agency on July 12, 2024, over similar accusations.
KW-IRS believes the ICIR report is an attempt to tarnish its reputation and misrepresent the facts.
KW-IRS clarified that there has been no directive from the Kwara State Governor to discriminate against individuals based on ethnicity or religion.
Recent enforcement actions targeted six taxpayers, comprising three Igbo and three Yoruba traders, indicating no particular ethnic group was singled out.
The businesses involved include:
Igbo Traders:
Vis Electrical appliances store at 154 Ibrahim Taiwo Road, Ilorin, Boutique at 12 Taiwo Isale, Ilorin and Auto parts dealer on Ibrahim Taiwo Road, Ilorin.
The Yoruba Traders are Phone accessories dealer at 60 Ibrahim Taiwo Road, Ilorin, Retail outlet at 147 Ibrahim Taiwo Road, Ilorin and Educational services at 278 Upper Taiwo Road, Ilorin.
KW-IRS reiterated its commitment to a non-discriminatory policy in line with the Personal Income Tax Act, 2011, emphasising that tax assessments are conducted without bias.
The agency urged ICIR and other involved parties to avoid sensationalising ongoing legal issues and not to manipulate public opinion on matters under judicial review.
