EIRS seeks synergy with NSCDC, NIS on efficient tax administration

The management of the Edo State Internal Service (EIRs) has sought the collaboration of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) as part of a strategic move to strengthen tax administration in the state.

The move was initiated by John Odior, executive chairman of the Edo State Internal Revenue Service, during a courtesy visit to the management of the Federal Government agencies in the state.

Odior said the visit was to deepen partnership between the agencies to ensure a healthy tax administration and drive sustainable economic growth for the state.

At a visit to Saidi Akintayo, the State Commandant of NSCDC, the state chairman of EIRS noted that the visitation was to foster a professional relationship with the command and to seek active collaboration in enforcing tax laws and sanitising the revenue collection process.

He, however, raised concerns over the activities of “non-state actors” who engaged in illegal revenue collection.

“These unauthorised individuals, often operating in interior locations without government mandates, divert public funds into private pockets.

“The most effective way to eradicate these illegalities is through robust intelligence gathering and proactive information sharing with the NSCDC,” he said.

While seeking the Corps’ support in public enlightenment campaigns, he added that tax compliance is a vital civic responsibility that directly funds the development of the state.

In his remarks, Akintayo, the State Commandant, NSCDC, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to support the EIRS.

Akintayo stated that the NSCDC’s core mandate involves protecting critical national assets and infrastructure; assets that are built and maintained using the very tax revenue generated by the government.

He assured the EIRS leadership of the Command’s full cooperation, stating that the NSCDC stands ready to provide security and operational support for the state’s revenue drives.

At the Nigeria Immigration Service, Odior, while seeking the support of the State Command, Steve Okezie Ibeabuchi, the State Comptroller of the Nigeria Immigration Service, said that the collaboration was geared towards enhancing the state’s revenue mandate.

He emphasised that national development remains a collective responsibility transcending institutional boundaries.

“Central to this partnership is the establishment of a robust data-sharing framework, which is a critical component for accurate economic planning and revenue projection.

“It is also necessary in ensuring comprehensive tax compliance among expatriates and immigration officers alike by bringing them effectively into the tax net through diligent filing of individual returns,” he said.

The EIRS boss told the NIS Commandant of the proposed integration of the Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) as a mandatory requirement for the processing of international passport applications, a move intended to strengthen fiscal discipline.

In his response, Ibeabuchi, who acknowledged the fundamental role of taxation in societal advancement, assured the EIRS leadership of the Command’s full support and cooperation in achieving these shared objectives.