By Abdul-Kadir Abdullah 


The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) have agreed to strengthen collaboration in tackling tax fraud and improving revenue generation in Edo State.


The agreement was reached on Thursday, May 7, 2026, when the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Internal Revenue Service, John Odior, paid a courtesy visit to the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC.


Speaking during the visit, Odior said the purpose of the engagement was to deepen the existing relationship between both organisations and explore areas of collaboration, particularly in addressing tax evasion and related offences.


He noted that partnership with the EFCC had become necessary to identify individuals and organisations that evade tax payment, underpay taxes, or are yet to be captured within the state’s tax net.


According to him, “When you arrest a suspect, ask for evidence of tax payment or tax clearance certificate. You can write to us to verify whether such a person has been paying taxes, and we will provide the necessary information.”


He added that improved information sharing between both agencies would help bring more people into the tax net and boost the revenue drive of the Edo State Government.


Responding, the Acting Zonal Director of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, Deputy Commander of the EFCC, DCE Sa’ad Hanafi Sa’ad, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to sustaining collaboration with the EIRS.


He disclosed that the Commission has a dedicated Tax Fraud Section responsible for handling tax-related offences, stressing that taxation remains a vital source of government revenue.


“We have a Tax Fraud Section which handles issues relating to taxes. The Commission recognises the importance of taxation as a major source of revenue for government, and we ensure that those who attempt to evade tax payment face the consequences of their actions,” he said.


Sa’ad further assured the EIRS Chairman of the Commission’s readiness to support the agency whenever necessary.


“Our doors remain open. You can always reach out to us whenever there is any information to share, and we will respond accordingly,” he added.