Niger State Revenue Agency Seals Unity Bank Branches Over N1.7 Billion Tax Default
The Niger State Internal Revenue Service (NGSIRS) has taken decisive enforcement action, sealing two branches of Unity Bank in Minna, the state capital. This move follows allegations of a substantial outstanding tax liability amounting to N1.7 billion owed to the state government. The enforcement exercise, which commenced in the early hours of Friday, June 19, 2026, was personally led by Musa Hayatullah, the Director of Tax Audit and Investigation for NGSIRS. The affected branches are strategically located at the Mobil Roundabout and along Paiko Road.
According to NGSIRS, the drastic measure became imperative after Unity Bank allegedly failed to honour its tax obligations for the assessment periods spanning 2022 to 2024. The revenue authority asserts that despite multiple notices and extensive administrative engagements, the bank remained non-compliant. This action underscores the increasing assertiveness of state revenue agencies in pursuing tax compliance from corporate entities.
Hayatullah elaborated that the NGSIRS had undertaken comprehensive tax investigations across all commercial banks operating within Niger State. While other financial institutions reportedly settled their outstanding liabilities, Unity Bank allegedly did not. The agency maintains that it adhered strictly to due process, which included conducting assessments, issuing notifications, and subsequently obtaining a court order to facilitate the recovery of the alleged debt.
The Niger State High Court, on June 4, 2026, granted the NGSIRS the necessary judicial approval to proceed with enforcement actions to recover the N1.7 billion in alleged tax liabilities. Hayatullah further stated that the bank’s failure to respond to the tax assessments served upon it directly led to the sealing of its premises, in strict accordance with the court’s directive.
This operation is presented by the revenue agency as a critical component of its ongoing strategy to bolster tax compliance and significantly enhance internally generated revenue within Niger State. The N1.7 billion liability, covering the period from 2022 to 2024, represents a significant sum, and the NGSIRS’s firm stance signals a commitment to enforcing tax laws rigorously. For legal professionals, compliance officers, and corporate executives, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of tax non-compliance and the importance of proactive engagement with revenue authorities.
