The Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS), in partnership with the Institute of Revenue Management and Research (IRMR), has concluded a two-day training and capacity building programme for its Management and Staff on the New Tax Act, 2025.
The training, which was held at the Sunny Okundia Training School of the EIRS Headquarters in Benin City under the theme: “Understanding the Future of Taxation under the New Tax Act in Nigeria”,
brought together Top Management staff and officers from various branches and departments to upscale their understanding of the operational framework guiding tax administration in Nigeria under the new law.
Declaring the programme open, the Executive Chairman, Edo State Internal Revenue Service, Otunba (Hon.) Oladele Bankole-Balogun, ably represented by the Secretary to the Revenue Service, Mrs. Osariemen Ogedegbe, emphasized the Service’s commitment to building a knowledgeable workforce capable of driving effective tax reforms in the State. She noted that the New Tax Act, 2025, represents a turning point in the nation’s fiscal policy and requires a highly-informed and professionally equipped workforce to ensure its successful implementation.
“This training is an investment in our people and in the future of tax administration in Edo State,” the SRS stated. “We must continuously update our knowledge and embrace digital innovation to remain compliant, efficient, and transparent in our operations.”
In his opening remarks, the Representing Partner from the Institute of Revenue Management and Research, Hon. Sunday Ereghan, lauded the Executive Chairman and his Management team for taking this forward-thinking approach to capacity building. He highlighted that the collaboration between the Institute and the Service underscored a shared commitment to professionalism and building institutional capacity.
“Today’s gathering underscores the shared commitment of our Institute and the Edo State Internal Revenue Service to strengthening institutional capacity, deepening technical competence and enhancing professionalism in tax administration and management,” he noted.
Hon. Ereghan also admonished the participating staff to make the most of the training as it is aimed at improving their knowledge and preparing them for the task ahead.
He stated, “As we begin this programme, I encourage all participants to make the most of the sessions, ask questions, exchange ideas, and take away practical insights that will improve your professional performance and contribute to the growth of our collective tax system.”
The training featured a series of technical and interactive sessions facilitated by experts from the Institute and other seasoned professionals in the field of taxation.
Key Facilitators Included:
Prof. Ofiafoh Eiya, a Professor of Accounting and Taxation from the University of Benin, as the Lead Facilitator, Institute of Revenue Management and Research.
Ms. Celestina Nwabueze, a Managing Associate, Tax and Government Business Practice at Olaniwun Ajayi LP.
Mr. Olushola Ganiyu, a Managing Consultant and Head Business Tax Compliance at KJB Professional Services.
Mr. Olanrewaju Moshood Lassisee-Philips, former Chairman Tax Appeal Tribunal, Lagos Zone.
The sessions covered crucial topics, including:
Overview and Key Innovations in the New Tax Administration Act, 2025
Operationalizing the Taxation of Income of Individuals: Employment Income and Profit of Enterprises
Operationalizing the Taxation of Chargeable Gains, Dutiable Instruments, and Withholding Tax
Effective Taxpayers’ Engagements and Sustainable Revenue Generation under the New Tax Act
During and after each session, participating staff engaged in practical exercises and case studies, with the major highlight being the syndicate session where groups were created on particular topics and representatives were selected to speak on those set topics. These activities were designed to strengthen their knowledge and promote teamwork among participating staff members.
The two-day programme was concluded with an advice from the Lead Facilitator, Prof. Eiya, to participating staff to procure copies of the Tax Act with the aim to continuously keep themselves abreast with the provisions of the law, while praising the Management for their renewed commitment to uphold professionalism, integrity, and excellence in Service in line with the vision of the Edo State Internal Revenue Service.
