NLNG clarifies position on payment of $27.5m tax to FIRS

Our reporter/ The Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) has explained the circumstances that led to the settlement of its dispute with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the subsequent payment of the sum of $27.5m to the agency.

In a statement by its spokesman, Andy Odeh, NLNG explained that contrary to media reports, the outcome was the product of an out-of-court settlement that was reached amicably between the parties, without prejudice to their respective legal positions, which the Tribunal merely adopted as Consent Judgment in the appeal.

“NLNG clarifies that these reports misrepresent an out-of-court settlement that was reached amicably between the parties, without prejudice to their respective legal positions, which the Tribunal merely adopted as Consent Judgment in the appeal. The payment by NLNG was thus made in furtherance of a settlement agreement reached between the parties and not because of any order made by the Tribunal”, the statement read in part.

The full text of the statement is published below…

Re: Tax Tribunal orders NLNG to pay $27.5m to FIRS as 2016 revised Corporate Income Tax

Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) has noted media reports suggesting that a Tax Appeal Tribunal ordered NLNG to pay $27.5 million to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) as a revised Company Income Tax (CIT) settlement for 2016.

NLNG clarifies that these reports misrepresent an out-of-court settlement that was reached amicably between the parties, without prejudice to their respective legal positions, which the Tribunal merely adopted as Consent Judgment in the appeal. The payment by NLNG was thus made in furtherance of a settlement agreement reached between the parties and not because of any order made by the Tribunal.

NLNG remains a responsible corporate citizen, and consistently operates in compliance with Nigerian laws and will continue to operate in line with its vision of being “a globally competitive LNG company helping to build a better Nigeria.”

Andy Odeh
General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development