VAT CONTROVERSY: Appeal Court Reserves Ruling On Lagos Application To Join In Suit

COURT of Appeal, Abuja Division has reserved ruling on Lagos State application to be joined as a co-respondent in the appeal filed by Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) over right of collection of Valued Added Tax (VAT).

FIRS filed an appeal against judgment by Justice Steven Pam of the Federal High Court, Port-Harcourt on August 9, 2021, which held that states could collect VAT.

A three-man panel, led by Justice Haruna Simon Tsanami, after listening to arguments by lawyers to the parties, said they would be informed when the ruling is ready.

Arguing Lagos’ application, the state’s Attorney General, Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN) said his client was a necessary party  in the matter, adding that the state would be affected by the outcome of the case.

Rivers State counsel, Ifedayo Adedipe (SAN) who supported the motion  by Onigbajo, urged the court to join Lagos in the suit.

Meanwhile, counsels to FIRS and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Mahmud Magaji (SAN) and Tijani Gazali (SAN) countered the motion and prayed the court not to join Lagos.

Victor Ezeja

Correspondent at Prime Business Africa |  + postsBio

Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.

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