In furtherance of its efforts at building partnerships with critical stakeholders, the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) has sought the support and collaboration of the Edo State Judiciary for the effective implementation of newly introduced tax reforms and the enforcement of tax laws across the state.
The drive, aimed at curbing tax evasion, ending multiple taxation, and significantly boosting internally generated revenue, was highlighted during a courtesy visit by the EIRS management team to the office of the Chief Judge of Edo State, Honourable Justice Daniel Iyobosa Okungbowa.
Speaking during the visit, the Executive Chairman of EIRS, Mr. John Odior FCA,ACTI explained that the engagement was designed to familiarize the state judiciary leadership with the newly enacted tax laws that took effect earlier this year.
According to Odior, the reform encompasses four key pieces of legislation:
The Joint Revenue Board Act, The Nigeria Tax Administration Act, The Nigeria Tax Act.and The Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Act.
Mr. Odior emphasized that the reforms promote a cashless tax collection system designed to enhance transparency, accountability, and streamline revenue collection into a single responsible body assuring residents that the reforms would ensure a seamless tax system, eliminate multiple taxation, and curb the activities of unauthorized revenue collectors.
He urged citizens to fulfill their tax obligations, noting that improved compliance directly supports the government’s ability to deliver critical infrastructure and development projects across Edo State.
He thereafter called for the judiciary’s backing in prosecuting tax offenders and advocated for a dedicated revenue court to minimize government revenue leakage.
Responding, the Chief Judge of Edo State, Honourable Justice Daniel Iyobosa Okungbowa, welcomed the EIRS leadership and praised the partnership as a positive step toward strengthening tax administration.
Justice Okungbowa noted that mobile courts already operate across the state’s three senatorial districts and reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to interpreting the law and ensuring tax offenders are brought to justice.
He further advised the EIRS to intensify public enlightenment campaigns to help residents better understand the new tax framework.