The Head of Department of Eateries, Bars, Hotels and Shopping Malls of ESIRS, Ms Egwuonwu Perpetual, said the agency had visited the sealed malls many times to request the purchase tax but they failed to settle the bills.
She said the state internal revenue agency had also pleaded with the concerned individuals to be remitting their taxes when due, adding that they had been unwilling to comply.
The HOD said the malls would remain closed until the issues at hand are resolved.
The Public Relations Officer of ESiRS, Mr Nnamdi Eneh, said the agency had gone on air to enlighten the people on the need to remit their taxes.
He said, “Our public enlightenment programme has been ongoing for a while. We have been sensitizing the people and pleading with them to pay their taxes not to fall victim during enforcement, but most of them remained adamant. The objective here is not to disrupt anybody’s business, but since pleading did not work, this is the only way to compel them to do what they are supposed to do.”