Tax litigation between Lagos govt, hotels continues Jan 17
A Federal High Court in Lagos has adjourned until January 17, 2019 hearing in a suit by the Registered Trustees of Hotel Owners and Managers Association in Lagos challenging the new Hotel Occupancy and Restaurant Consumption Law of Lagos State.
The Attorney General of Lagos State and the Federal Inland Revenue Service are the defendants in the suit.
The suit, which was scheduled to come up before the court last Thursday, was adjourned until January 17, 2019, following the absence of the judge, Justice Rilwan Aikawa, who was said to be in Sokoto for another court sitting.
Mr Olasupo Shashore, is counsel to the plaintiffs, while Mr Lawal Pedro is appearing for Lagos State.
At the last adjourned date on March 21 this year, the court had issued an interim order restraining the defendant from enforcing the provisions of its new Hotel Occupancy and Restaurant Consumption (Fiscalisation) Regulations 2017.
The law introduces an increase in consumption tax, in addition to a Value Added Tax on every purchase or service rendered by hotels, restaurants, fast food outlets, bars and night clubs.
In his ruling, Justice Aikawa had issued an interim order, restraining the Lagos State government from further enforcing the law, pending the determination of the case.
The plaintiffs, therefore, urged the court to grant the reliefs they were seeking.