EIRS seeks EFCC support to curb tax evasion in Benin

The management of Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS), has sought partnership with the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to curb the incidences of tax evasion.

Oladele Bankole-Balogun, the executive chairman of EIRS, sought disclosed this during a courtesy visit to Effa Okim, acting zonal director of the anti-graft agency in Benin City.

Bankole-Balogun was accompanied on the visit by other members of the EIRS’ board, Patrick Akhimien Idiake, Ohio-Ezomo and Jackson Eribo.

The EIRS executive chairman also called for a synergy with the EFCC to strengthen tax compliance efforts.

He commended the efforts of the anti-graft agency in supporting the revenue service to ensure that taxable persons and corporate organisations comply with the relevant tax laws and prevent economic sabotage.

He said that the objectives of the service were to provide and grow the Internally Generated Revenue of the state to enable the Governor Okpebholo-led administration actualise its five-points agenda.

Bankole-Balogun listed the five points agenda to include security, infrastructure and road development, affordable healthcare, water and food sufficiency, and value-driven education across the State for the benefit of the Edo State people.

He noted that the Revenue Service recorded over N10 billion in the month of January, 2025, and, however, sued for the support of the Benin zonal office of EFCC to enable it to sustain the progress.

In his remarks, Effa Okim, the Acting Zonal Director of the Benin Zonal of EFCC, commended the EIRS boss and his team for the achievements recorded within a short time.

Okim noted that through its processes and procedures the EFCC has been at the forefront of ensuring taxpayers are tax compliant in Edo State and will continue to do so.

He, however, assured the management of the Revenue Service of the EFCC support and collaboration to ensure that EIRS achieves its objectives.

The Benin zonal Director of EFCC, admonished the State government not to betray citizens’ trust by ensuring a transparent and judicious utilisation of generated revenue for the benefit of the people.