The Edo State Internal Revenue Service, (EIRS), has called on Nigerians, especially residents of Edo State to ignore false narratives and claims of a drop in the state’s Internally Generated Revenue, (IGR), from N8bn to N2bn, blaming sixth columnists for peddling defeatist talk targeted at weakening the activities of the revenue service.
Briefing the newsmen about IGR collections in the State, Head, Corporate Communications, EIRS, Mr. Courage Eboigbe, said that the EIRS had a steady growth rate, with an IGR average collection of N7.2bn monthly as against the N8bn falsely rumored to have been collected within the time in review.
He stated that though it was not the usual habit of the revenue service to react to rumours, nonetheless, there was need to clarify and put the facts straight and allay the fears of taxpayers and Edo residents, based on raised claims.
“Our response to this rumour is premised on the need to correct the false narrative peddled around by some individuals, as well as set the record straight solely as it relates to IGR.
“This false claim ordinarily would have been overlooked for the obvious reasons as it lacks credibility in its entirety and the source cannot be relied upon. But for the numerous calls received and the fact that the revenue service owes stakeholders, particularly taxpayers the duty of care to account for collected revenue, a responsibility the EIRS has and will continue to execute on a quarterly and annual basis, this press briefing therefore, is to set the records straight, dispel the dooms day false prophecy or narrative and assure Edo taxpayers of a healthy tax system.”
Giving feedback on sources of revenue generation, the EIRS spokesperson stated, “The EIRS generates revenue in the state through the process of tax assessment, collection and reporting under various tax types such as Income Tax (Direct Assessment, Pay-As-You-Earn, Withholding), Gaming, Motor Vehicle Administration, Stamp Duties, Gaming/Lotto and MDAs Collections. It has and will continue to be a veritable supporter and enabler of policies and programmes of government, inclusive of the current one. It therefore means that it has a great responsibility to discharge as far as development is concerned.
“In the light of the above and having identified the various taxes currently being administered, the revenue service, is forced to state that the basis for the dooms day prediction for the state IGR having a free fall from 8bn to N2bn, lacks simple and sensible financial or revenue analysis and projections. There is absolutely no correlation. It is important to state that currently, the state’s IGR average collection is N7.2bn monthly as against the N8bn falsely rumored about.”
He revealed that IGR collection for the months of October and November 2024 stood at N5.8bn and N6.6bn, respectively.
He maintained that EIRS was abreast with modern tax practice and the use of Information, communication, Technology (ICT) to plug loopholes. He said the EIRS is keen at exploring opportunities which help at growing the state’s IGR. It is also on the lookout for possible threats, or factors that may mitigate against a seamless revenue administration process.
Eboigbe reassured the public, “The EIRS assures Edo State Government, the general public, stakeholders and taxpayers particularly, that the current state of Internally Generated Revenue of the State is healthy and currently maintains a steady growth rise.”
