The Edo State Government has announced plans to seal the offices of several major organizations, including Dangote Group and Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), for allegedly defaulting on tax payments. The government's action targets companies that have failed to pay property tax, ground rent, and tenement rate as required by law.

According to sources close to the state government, the planned sealing is in accordance with Section 30 of the Edo State Land Use Charge (LUC) laws. The affected companies include NPDC, Barnsley International Company Ltd, Ossiomo Power, Okpella Cement (Dangote Group), 7 Up Bottling Company Ltd, and Nigerian Bottling Company Ltd, among others operating in the state.

Government sources allege that these companies have been operating without complying with the extant law requiring them to pay the Land Use Charge to the State Government. The decision to sanction the defaulters comes after their failure to comply with the provisions of the law despite constant reminders.

The government had issued enforcement notices to the defaulting companies on July 24, 2025, which were published in national dailies and across social media platforms as required by law. The premises of these companies will be sealed after the expiration of this notice period.

A government source explained that the debt recovery drive aims not only to sanction non-compliant organizations but also to recover all outstanding debts owed to the state. The source added that Governor Monday Okpebholo has emphasized the need to accelerate infrastructural development across the state, an initiative that has received positive feedback from taxpayers.

This enforcement action follows a previous operation on August 27, 2025, when several commercial premises in Benin metropolis were sealed for breaching the Land Use Charge law. The upcoming enforcement is expected to extend beyond Benin metropolis to include Edo North and Central Senatorial Districts.

The Land Use Charge is a consolidated land-based tax that includes property tax, ground rent, and tenement rate. Edo State is empowered to collect these taxes through the Edo Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) and the Edo State Geographic Information Service (EdoGIS).

Tunde Eigbiremolen, Director of Media at EdoGIS, commended companies and individuals who have consistently paid their taxes without reminders, assuring that the government has ways to reward such compliance. He also indicated that the next round of enforcement will target financial institutions, filling stations, trading companies, and private residences across the state.

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