In a major step toward streamlining revenue collection and curbing illegal levies, the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) has engaged leaders of various market associations and traders’ unions across the state to introduce a unified tax collection framework.
The stakeholders meeting, held at the EIRS headquarters in Benin City, brought together union leaders, shop owners, and top management staff of the revenue agency.
Speaking at the forum, the Executive Chairman of the EIRS, Mr. John Odior FCA, ACTI reassured market operators that the agency, in collaboration with Local Government Councils and relevant ministries, departments and agencies is establishing a single, harmonized structure to prevent overlapping demands.
Under the new arrangement, shop owners and market traders will be issued a single consolidated annual demand notice detailing all approved state and local government levies payable within the year.
Furthermore, designated collection teams using authorized, transparent channels will handle all collections.
“The state and local government will work together as one body,”* Mr. Odior emphasized during his address. “You will no longer have separate teams from state, local government, and ministries coming to collect revenues independently. Traders should not yield to intimidation or pay money to unauthorized collectors, as most of them operate illegally.”
During an interactive session, union representatives voiced concerns over existing aggressive and duplicate tax collection practices by various actors, noting that such burdens strain businesses amid current economic headwinds. Others called on the revenue authority to maintain moderate tax rates and adopt a compassionate approach to implementation.
“We are willing to cooperate with the government and pay our taxes,”‘done market leader stated during the open floor session. “However, whatever tax policies are brought forward should carry a human face so that businesses can survive.”
Expressing readiness for the new initiative, Mr. Prince Anthony President of the Association of Tire Dealers in Edo State, commended the EIRS, stating that harmonizing taxes and levies would boost transparency and significantly improve the ease of doing business across the state.
Comrade Lucky Orupke, President, Traders Welfare Union of Nigeria, praised the government’s effort, assuring that the union would cascade the updates down to its grassroots members.
Mrs. Juliet Maduka Chairperson of the Edo State Association of Mobile Money & Agents in Nigeria, noted that direct payments through recognized electronic channels would eliminate middleman extortion and safeguard legitimate business owners.
Responding to the feedback, the EIRS boss John Odior reassured attendees that the new system is designed to protect traders and lower operational burdens, adding that the operation is targeted to commence next month.
With key stakeholders pledging their support, the EIRS plans to deploy enforcement and operational teams in the coming month to ensure a seamless transition to the new, harmonized tax structure.