The Lagos state division of the Tax Appeal Tribunal has ruled that MTN Nigeria Communications must pay a sum of $72,551,059 in tax default to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) for the years 2007 to 2017. The tribunal, however, absolved the telecommunications company from paying $21,039,807 in penalties and interest on the principal sum.
The case arose after a report by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation in 2018, which led to a revised assessment by the FIRS in 2021. MTN had objected to the assessment, leading to the appeal before the Tax Appeal Tribunal.
The tribunal resolved several issues in favor of the FIRS, concluding that MTN must settle the assessed liabilities accordingly. However, it set aside the penalty and interest imposed on the telecommunications company.
This ruling underscores the ongoing efforts by tax authorities to collect revenues from large corporations, and it highlights the importance of complying with tax regulations in Nigeria.
Please note that this is a summary of the tribunal’s decision, and the full judgment may contain further details and legal analysis.