By Abdul-Kadir Abdullah
The Edo State Government has directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to strictly comply with the State Revenue Administration Law, mandating that all revenue collections be processed exclusively through government-approved Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) accounts.
The directive, contained in a circular dated April 1, 2026, was addressed to key government officials, including Honourable Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, Auditors-General (State and Local Government), the Clerk of the Edo State House of Assembly, the Chief Registrar of the High Court of Justice, and heads of boards and parastatals.
The circular reaffirmed that the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) remains the sole authority legally empowered to assess, collect, and account for all revenues accruing to the state, in line with provisions of the Edo State Revenue Administration Law, 2012.
Speaking during a meeting with heads of MDAs and Permanent Secretaries in Benin City, the Executive Chairman of EIRS, Mr John Odior, outlined key compliance measures. He urged all MDAs to immediately halt direct revenue collection and discontinue the use of third-party agents for tax and levy collection.
Odior also emphasized that all payments must be made into designated government-approved accounts, warning that any unauthorized accounts currently in use must be shut down without delay.
He added that all assessments and payments for services, renewals, and licenses must be processed through the Edo Revenue Administration System (ERAS).
He further cautioned that any MDA, official, or individual found violating the directive would face sanctions in accordance with the law.
The EIRS chairman expressed dissatisfaction with the current level of compliance, stressing that full adherence is critical for effective revenue tracking and the elimination of financial leakages.
Highlighting provisions of the Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA), Odior noted that Section 72(2) mandates all MDAs to request a valid Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) from individuals seeking government services.
As part of efforts to enhance ease of doing business, he announced plans to introduce a Consolidated Annual Demand Notice aimed at eliminating multiple taxation and creating a more transparent and simplified payment structure.
Odior called on stakeholders to support the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo, noting that strict revenue discipline is essential for delivering infrastructure and sustainable development across the state.
