The Abia State Government has taken a decisive step against telecommunications giant Globacom Limited, sealing its operational offices in Umuahia and Aba over alleged tax liabilities exceeding ₦4 billion.
The enforcement action was carried out on Thursday by the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue Service (ABIRS), following a valid order issued by the High Court of Abia State, Umuahia Judicial Division. The order authorized the distraint of the company’s premises.
According to the Deputy Director of Information for ABIRS, Mrs. Emelle Akunna Loveth, the development followed a legal battle filed under Court Suit No. HU/225M/2025.
The court had earlier ruled on January 14, 2026, directing Globacom to settle a total of ₦4,048,748,880, representing unremitted Right of Way (RoW) withholding taxes and other statutory levies accumulated between 2010 and 2022.
In addition to the principal amount, the court ordered the telecommunications firm to pay a 10 percent annual interest on the outstanding debt, calculated from the original due dates of the taxes until full payment is made.
Under the Abia State Tax (Codification and Consolidation) Law, 2020, ABIRS is also empowered to seize goods, chattels, and premises belonging to the company within the state.
Mrs. Loveth stated that the sealing of the offices was carried out strictly in compliance with the court order. She further warned that if the debt remains unpaid after 14 days, the state may proceed with the sale of the distrained properties to recover the outstanding liabilities.
Despite the enforcement action, ABIRS noted that the Abia State Government remains open to dialogue, provided Globacom demonstrates full compliance with the court’s directives. The administration of Alex Otti reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law and ensuring that all corporate entities meet their tax obligations.