Edo Unveils Tax Enforcement Outfit
By Osehobo Ofure, Benin City
The Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) has unveiled a private firm called Atalakpa Recovery Concept Limited as the official tax compliance enforcement consultant in the state.
At a meeting with security agencies where the event took place, the Executive Chairman of EIRS, Mr Oladele Bankole-Balogun, stated that the firm operated by Mr Tony Adun, the State Youth Leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC) has been engaged to help eradicate illegal revenue collection.
According to Bankole-Balogun, certain individuals in the State, under the guise of working for the government, have been unlawfully collecting revenue for personal gain.
He warned that the Edo State Government would not tolerate any form of illegal revenue collection or activities that disrupt peace in the state.
“This meeting is to formalise the approval of His Excellency, the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to ensure that the state’s revenue streams and generation processes are fully protected,” he stated.
“The government will not take lightly any individual or group, regardless of their form or structure, attempting to disrupt the state’s revenue collection, peace, progress, and governance plans.”
Bankole-Balogun further emphasised that illegal revenue collectors operating on the roads must cease their activities immediately.
“We are aware that certain elements have been parading themselves as government agents to illegally collect revenue. This must stop, and law enforcement agencies are fully empowered to ensure compliance.”
“For some time now, we have witnessed various individuals claiming to work for the state government or the revenue service in revenue collection.”
He reaffirmed that the law establishing the Edo State Internal Revenue Service clearly outlines the authorised processes for tax collection.
“The law is clear on who is authorised to collect revenue and how it should be done. If you are not recognised by the laws of Edo State or the Federal Republic of Nigeria as a legitimate revenue collector, you will face the consequences.”
“In this regard, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo is committed to ensuring peace and progress in Edo State. To protect the state’s growing revenue from unauthorised individuals, he has approved Atalakpa Recovery Concept Ltd as the Enforcement Compliance Consultant to the Edo State Government.”
He further assured that the enforcement firm would operate within stipulated guidelines to achieve the objectives of the EIRS and the government’s broader revenue-generation goals.
“I trust that you will not disappoint the people of Edo State, His Excellency the Governor, the Revenue Service, and law enforcement agencies. On our part, we will provide all necessary support to ensure you deliver on the core mandate entrusted to you,” Bankole-Balogun added.
