The Enugu State Board of Internal Revenue, yesterday, began enforcement of court orders empowering it to seal off businesses that failed to pay withholding taxes and levies to enable the agency recover N2.5 billion belonging to the government in the custody of the said establishments.

No fewer than 40 establishments, including banks, schools, hotels among others, were sealed off in the operations, which began as early as 5.30am.

Chairman of the State Internal Revenue Board, Emeka Odo said demand notices were served on the establishments for the payment of the money, adding that they resorted to court when demands were not met. He said the exercise was ongoing and would involve the distrainment of a number of commercial establishments that have refused to remit taxes they deducted to the Enugu State.

Odo called on residents and establishments to maintain government efforts to develop the state by prompt payment of taxes.