The Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) and Independent Television and Radio (ITV/Radio) have agreed to deepen their strategic partnership to enhance public enlightenment, raise tax awareness, and promote voluntary tax compliance across the state.
The commitment was reaffirmed during a courtesy visit by the management of ITV/Radio to the corporate headquarters of the State revenue agency in Benin City.
Speaking during visit, Executive Chairman of the Edo State Internal Revenue Service, Mr. John Osirenimhe Odior FCA, ACTI expressed gratitude to the management of ITV/Radio for the visit, describing the media as an indispensable partner and gateway to the people particularly in tax education and sensitization.
Mr. Odior stressed the need for sustained public enlightenment to enable taxpayers to better understand the benefits of the state’s tax regime and its direct contribution to infrastructural and economic development.
Addressing challenges within the system, the EIRS boss revealed that the agency is currently modernizing its operations through digital automation across both formal and informal sectors to curb illegal tax collection and ensure a seamless, transparent process.
“We are working to build a proper tax culture,” Odion said. “Automation of our tax systems covering both formal and informal sectors is key to eliminating leakages, tackling illegal tax collectors, and making compliance easier for everyone. Adding that the new tax reform has come to stay. It is more friendly than the previous because it targets low income earners and brings civility to the tax system”.
Earlier, the Managing Director of ITV and Radio, Engr. Elvis Obaseki, stated that the meeting was aimed at strengthening the cordial relationship between both organizations while sensitizing the public to ongoing tax reforms and the importance of voluntary compliance.
Engr. Obaseki emphasized that ITV/Radio, as a leading broadcast station with extensive reach, remains committed to supporting government policies and programs through effective public enlightenment and media advocacy.
“We are in a system where the average Nigerian citizen sees taxation as a burden or a punishment,” Obaseki noted.
“One of the key drives of the federal government is to widen the tax net and foster a culture where every citizen sees civic duties, including taxation, as a fundamental responsibility. Partnering with media platforms is essential to achieving this goal.”
Highlight of the visit was the presentation of a commemorative souvenir to Engr. Elvis Obaseki by Mr. John Odior.