The Association of Hotel Owners in Kwara State has alleged that the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS) is imposing multiple taxes, engaging in intimidation, harassment, and the closure of hotel facilities without due process…CONTINUE READING

In response, the association has threatened to seek legal redress through a competent court if the unauthorized closure of its members’ hotels continues.

The association has also appealed to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to intervene and prevent the collapse of the hotel business in the state due to what they describe as harassment, coercion, intimidation, extortion, and unlawful closure of hotels.

In a joint statement signed by the President and Secretary of the association, Alhaji Dauda Akande and Babatunde Oladunmoye, they pointed out the lack of coordination between KWIRS and the government agencies responsible for determining and negotiating taxes and levies. This lack of synergy has led to the issuance of exorbitant bills as demand notices to their members.

The statement further highlighted that hotel owners in Kwara State currently bear the burden of paying over twenty different taxes and levies to federal, state, and local governments. The excessive regulation and multiplicity of taxes have become significant deterrents to investments in the state’s hospitality and tourism industry.

The hoteliers have called on the state government to take the following actions:

1. Set aside any erroneously generated bills and demand notices issued by KWIRS to their members.
2. Exempt commercial properties that already pay commercial land charges to the Kwara State Geographic Information Service (GIS) annually from the payment of business premises levy, as this constitutes double taxation on commercial properties.
3. Ensure that agencies established for social services like KWEPA and Fire Services are adequately funded by the Kwara State Government and not converted into revenue-generating agencies with yearly revenue targets.