The Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) has shut down Market Square’s premises over an alleged ₦27 million in unpaid taxes.
In a statement released on Friday, the Head of Corporate Communications at EIRS, Courage Eboigbe, explained that the tax debt was uncovered during an audit of Market Square, which covered Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) and Withholding Tax obligations from 2018 to 2023.
The statement read: “The Edo State Internal Revenue Service on Friday, September 19, 2025, sealed the premises of Market Square (Sunday Foods) for non-payment of taxes amounting to N27,005,117.97.
“The outstanding sum is the result of an audit exercise conducted by the EIRS on Market Square, covering the period from 2018 to 2023 for Pay-As-You-Earn and Withholding Tax liabilities.
“The audit findings and subsequent tax assessment were communicated to the company. As Market Square did not object to this assessment, it became final and conclusive.
“Following the company’s refusal to settle its debt, the revenue service has now, pursuant to a court order, sealed the premises to recover the outstanding tax due to the Edo State Government.
“The EIRS is prepared to unseal the premises immediately upon confirmation of full payment.”
Eboigbe, who said payment of taxes is a fundamental civic responsibility for all individuals and organizations engaged in economic activities in Edo State, stated that tax revenue is essential for the government to provide critical infrastructure and services for the public.
While noting that tax compliance significantly enhances business operations and upholds a positive corporate image, he said that EIRS commends all compliant taxpayers and urged others to meet their tax obligations promptly.