Lanre Idris Mustapha
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, said that the state has the legal right to collect taxes from Thor Explorations Limited.
He thereby ststed that the company’s operations are backed by Nigerian Constitution, lauding steps adopted by federal government to resolve tax dispute.
He, however, noted that Osun State will only support foreign investors who comply fully with local regulations, including environmental laws.
In a statement from his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, on Sunday, the governor noted that he spoken contacted the Minister of Mines, Dele Alake, to wade in the tax dispute.
He maintained that despite Osun State’s open door policy, is open, foreign investors must abide by local laws and protect the environment.
Adeleke further stated that since discussions with Thor Explorations began in 2023, no agreement had been reached. Segilola Resources Operating Limited, a subsidiary of Thor Explorations, owes N3.25 billion in taxes, with a demand notice issued in April 2024.
He also alleged mining outfit operates six other secret companies on the same mining site without paying tax.
The governor pointed out that the company had acknowledged that Osun State owns 5,192,896 shares in Thor Exploration UK, meaning the state is entitled to receive financial benefits as a shareholder.
Adeleke expressed serious concern about the environmental devastation caused by the company’s mining activities, ordering Thor Explorations to beat the financial the costs of environmental reclamation.
