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Tribunal Adjourns Ruling As Multichoice Pays N8bn Deposit In ‘Tax Evasion’ Dispute

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Multichoice Nigeria Limited (MCN) says it has complied with the directives of the tax appeal tribunal (TAT) by depositing with the FIRS an amount required by the law.

The company stated this on Thursday at the resumption of the tribunal hearing over the alleged N1.8 trillion tax evasion dispute.

Multichoice is the owner of the satellite televisions, DStv and Gotv – popular subscription-based platforms in Nigeria.

At the hearing, counsel to MultiChoice Nigeria Limite said the company has complied with the payment of N8 billion — paid in two batches to the FIRS account as instructed by the tribunal on the provision of FIRS Act.

Paragraph 15(7)(c) of the fifth schedule of the FIRS Act, 2007, requires an appellant to pay 50 percent of the tax paid the previous year plus 10 percent mark-up as security before prosecuting an appeal.

At the last hearing, the TAT had upheld the FIRS submission and directed Multichoice Nigeria Limited to depositwith the FIRS an amount equals 50 percent of the assessment under the appeal plus a sum equal to 10 percent of the said deposit as a condition precedent for further hearing of the appeal.

The directive had generated confusionamong stakeholders as FIRS had asked the company to pay 50 percent of the disputed sum (N900 billion) under assessment.

“We have before you an affidavit of compliance. A sworn statement made under oath, first, on the 9th of Sept. Second, 22nd of September 2021,” MultiChoice told the tribunal.

An assessment of N1.8trn was levied on the appellant. Appellant case before your honour is that this amount is arbitrary. No science to it and respondent contrived the numbers. The reality of the appellant’s business is far from what the respondent fixes in its office.

“In respect of this dispute, N8 billion has been paid in the case pursuant to paragraph 15(7) of the FIRS Act. And N2bn in respect of VAT in another matter here before your honour

“We provided two options for the tribunal to work with. Either for 2010 as a preceding year for 2011 or 2019 because we want it to expedite actions. The N1.8trn burden is resting on our finances and our auditors will look at our books if we did not get it out quickly.

“We have displayed enough seriousness and either way tribunal chooses to look at it. Appellant has over complied with the directive.”

On part of FIRS, the counsel claimed that the MCN’s affidavit and documents are self-contradictory and lacked value.

The agency urged the administrative court to discontinue the hearing of the appeal and enter judgment against MultiChoice if the company failed to fully comply with the directive of 50 percent of the N1.8 trillion tax assessment for the years under review.

“We make this submission on the basis that the appellant while they have filed certain affidavit if which they purport to verify that they have complied with the tribunal… those documents are self-contradictory, lacked value. The duty is for the appellant to prove they have complied with the tribunal order,” FIRS said.

“Our prayer is made on the basis of the provision of paragraph 15 sub 7 of the 5th schedule of FIRS Establishment Act.

“We urged the tribunal to refer to paragraph 3 of the appellant’s owned amendment notice of appeal, particularly paragraph 3. 4, dated and filed July 27, 2021.

“If this tribunal would look at the language of paragraphs 3 and 4 of appellant notice of appeal and provision of FIRS Act, it will see the accounting years which is the subject of assessment from 2011 to 2020.

“A preceding year of each of this assessment will require this tribunal to expect the appellant to deposit the charge for each year preceding their accounting year.

“What they have done is to selectively pick and choose the preceding year to reckon with.

“They chose 2010 and made a deposit.

“And they turned back to chose 2019 as another preceding year of N5.3bn.”

The FIRS urged the tribunal to ask MCH to make payment for all preceding years under appeal.

“Our submission is that there are 10 consecutive years, and 2010 or 2019 cant be proceeding years to 2011.

“The preceding years under appeal begin from 2010 and ends in 2019. They picked and chose 2010 and 2019 and forget 2011,12,13,14,15,16,17, and 2018. And that is why they have two affidavits of compliance.

“Our submission is that the assessment under appeal ought and should be confirmed by this tribunal.

“We urged you the Chairman, and other members to please direct that this appeal is foreclosed on the basis of non-compliance in view of the absence of clear evidence on the order of August 2021.”

Professor AB Ahmad, the tribunal chairman, noted the argument of both parties and adjourned to October 20, 2021, for the ruling, asking all parties to submit necessary notices before the date.

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NAICOM Issues New Licenses To SanlamAllianz After Merger

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The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) today handed over new licenses to SanlamAllianz Life and General Insurance Nigeria Limited in Abuja.

Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Olusegun Omosehin, emphasised the ccommission’s commitment to supporting the growth of insurance entities in the country, while ensuring strict compliance with regulatory requirements.
He urged the companies to prioritize good corporate governance, stability, and timely claims settlement processes.

The Commissioner reiterated NAICOM’s dedication to removing unnecessary bottlenecks and improving the insurance industry’s overall performance.
He expressed confidence that the merger would enhance the companies’ capabilities and contribute to the industry’s growth.

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Leadway Health HMO Wins Award Again

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Leadway Health HMO has been honoured with the Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO) of the Year award at the Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Awards (NHEA) for the third consecutive year.
This achievement affirms Leadway Health HMO’s position as a consistent leader in delivering innovative, accessible, and customer-focused healthcare solutions across Nigeria. Leadway Health HMO set a new record, one that has never been achieved in the 15-year history of the NHEAwards.
The award, presented in Lagos recently, 2025, celebrates the organisation’s excellence in service delivery, technology integration, unmatched service delivery, and its expanding provider network.
Speaking on this achievement, Chief Executive Officer, Leadway Health HMO, Dr. Tokunbo Alli, stated, “Receiving the HMO of the Year award for the third consecutive year is a deeply meaningful milestone for us at Leadway Health HMO. It is more than an accolade; it is a resounding validation of our commitment to transforming healthcare delivery in Nigeria, Africa, and the world at large.
“In a country where fewer than one in ten people have access to health insurance, we recognise the immense responsibility we carry. Through our investment in digital innovation, operational efficiency, and inclusive health plans, we are not only improving access to quality care but also setting new benchmarks for service excellence within the industry. This recognition reflects the trust our customers place in us and the unwavering dedication of our team and partners who make our vision a reality every day.”
Alli added, “We will continue to scale our hospital partnerships, enhance claims transparency, and leverage technology to deliver even more accessible, affordable, and customer-centric healthcare solutions. This award strengthens our resolve to be at the forefront of Nigeria’s health transformation journey—driving meaningful change, one life at a time.”
Leadway Health HMO’s triple win comes at a time when trust and performance in the HMO sector are under scrutiny. With a growing population, rising healthcare costs, and a national goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030, the company’s performance positions it as a crucial stakeholder in driving Nigeria’s health transformation agenda.
The Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Awards, founded in 2014 by Global Health Project and Resources in collaboration with Anadach Group USA, is the industry’s most respected recognition platform. This year’s edition was themed “Collaborating for Impact: Strengthening Health Systems through the SWAP Approach”, emphasising unified efforts to drive change.

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NAICOM Wants Nationwide Conversation About Power Of Insurance

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By Sola Alabadan

The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has enjoined insurance operators to ensure that they ignite a nationwide conversation about the power of insurance as the inaugural edition of Insurance Week holds across the country.

The Commissioner for Insurance and Chief Executive of NAICOM, Olusegun Omosehin who spoke in Lagos on Monday, affirmed that the Insurance Week is designed to raise national awareness about the vital role of insurance in Nigeria’s growth and development.

To truly secure Nigeria’s future, he pointed out that “we must educate the public on the benefits of insurance, develop products that meet the needs of all Nigerians, wnsure prompt and transparent claims processing, as well as invest in talent and technology to drive innovation and trust.

At NAICOM, he said the regulatory body is committed to building a strong, inclusive, and globally respected insurance industry, and has been driving reforms to strengthen consumer protection, promote digital innovation, ensure capital adequacy and sound governance, while expanding access to underserved communities.

On why insurance matters, he stated that “In today’s fast-changing world, risks are everywhere—economic shocks, natural disasters, health crises, and more” adding that these uncertainties can disrupt lives and derail national progress.

“Insurance is our shield. It helps individuals, businesses, and governments manage these risks, recover from losses, and build resilience.
Without insurance, your economy would be more vulnerable, and our people less secure. That’s why this year’s theme, “Insurance for All: Securing Nigeria’s Future,” is both timely and essential” he emphasised.

Omosehin maintained that “The future of Nigeria depends on how well we manage risk. Every decision—whether by individuals, businesses, or government—carries uncertainty. Insurance provides the tools to navigate these uncertainties and protect our collective future.”

The NAICOM boss further urged the nsurance operators to renew their commitment to building an industry that serves the people and supports national development and use every platform—media, schools, communities, and workplaces—to spread the message that insurance is not a luxury; but a necessity.

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