Ibrahim Oyewale, Lokoja and Dike Onwuamaeze in Lagos
He said it was alarming that a government could take measures to shut down a plant that had been providing jobs and sustaining economic activities on a very large scale over an alleged non-payment of taxes. “We have no reason not to pay taxes to Kogi State government as and when you due. Indeed, I’m aware, and I obviously I have the right to say so that the Dangote industry is one of the largest taxpayers in Nigeria.
He added that MAN has taken the matter up to the Federal Ministry of Industries, Trade and Investment with the expectation that the relevant government authorities would take steps to resolve the matter. Speaking on other economic issues, he said the re-introduction of excise duty on carbonated soft drinks was done at a very wrong time and amounted to changing the goal post in the middle of the game.
She disclosed in the report that three Certificates of Occupancy for Obajana Cement Company Plc, which was solely owned by Kogi State government as at the time, were used to obtain a loan of N63 billion by Dangote. The SSG added, “Agreement between Kogi State Government of Nigeria and Dangote Industries Limited, dated 30th July 2002, and supplemental agreement dated 14th February 2003, as contained in Exhibit 71 of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry Report, purporting the transfer of Obajana Cement Company Plc to Dangote Industries Limited, are all invalid, null and void.
“It is clear that you cannot sell a state government property of any form without the resolution of the Kogi State House of Assembly.
Source: News Formal (newsformal.com)