Oyo State government on Thursday sealed up the National Horticultural Research Institute, (NIHORT), located in Idi-Ishin area of the state for failing to remit the workers Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax to the coffers of the state government.

The exercise also saw no fewer than 10 other firms affected in an interministerial enforcement exercise across the capital city.

Some of the other affected companies include, Agril Nigeria Limited, Bevpak, Fleet, Heineman Edu Books, Mansard Insurance, Merck Pharmaceuticals and Pixels Digital System.

Others are, Vintage Rock Nigeria Nigeria Limited, Virgo Services Nigeria Limited, Wakanow.com limited among others.

Chairman, Oyo State Board of Internal Revenue, (OYBIR), Mr Alli whose office is coordinating the effort explained that the organisations defaulted in the remittances from as early as 2003.

He said governments concern is to ensure that all taxes, dues and revenues accruable to the coffers of the state government are duly paid.

According to sources, the debt profiles of the affected companies to the state is to the tune of about N150 million.

The enforcement team is also on its way to seal of some other companies for defaulting in the payment of the land use charges.

It would be recalled that the state Board of Internal revenue had in the last few weeks raised the enforcement drive to increase revenue in the state and as well sensitise residents of the state on the need to pay tax and promptly.

•Sourced from a Tribune report