BENIN CITY – The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS), John Odior has reiterated the state government’s continued ban on the collection of transport levies while affirming that transporters in Edo State still enjoy tax incentives introduced to support the sector.
Odior gave the assurance during separate engagements with stakeholders, including the leadership of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), and the Amalgamated Union of ANNEWAT, as well as meetings with banks and Data Collecting Agents (DCAs) operating in the state’s revenue ecosystem.
He explained that the transport sector remains a key driver of Edo State’s economy, noting that tax incentives introduced since August 2025 have helped reduce the cost of transporting goods and services across the state.
While reaffirming government support for the sector, Odior raised concerns over non-compliance among some operators, particularly commercial drivers without valid vehicle number plates. He called for stronger collaboration with union leaders to ensure strict adherence to vehicle registration laws, stressing that this would enhance revenue generation, improve security, and strengthen public safety.
The EIRS boss also urged transport union members to take advantage of the extended deadline for filing annual tax returns, noting that the statutory deadline of March 30 had been extended to April 30, 2026, to give taxpayers more time to comply with their Personal Income Tax obligations.
He issued a strong warning against unauthorised revenue collection, stressing that no individual, group, or community is permitted to collect levies on behalf of the state government.
“As we speak, collection of levies from the transport sector remains banned. Anyone found collecting illegal revenue will face the full weight of the law,” Odior stated, adding that such actions amount to extortion and touting.
He further emphasised the importance of transparency and trust in leadership within unions, noting that effective representation depends on accountability and prioritising members’ welfare.
Earlier, the State Chairman of NURTW, Comrade Saturday Uwame, said the unions visited the Revenue House to congratulate Odior on his appointment and to express their readiness to collaborate with government through lawful and structured revenue processes.
In a related development, Odior announced plans by the EIRS to introduce a Consolidated Annual Demand Notice aimed at streamlining levy payments, eliminating multiple taxation, and improving compliance across the state.
He disclosed this during a broader stakeholders’ interactive session with trade unions, where he explained that the new system would consolidate all applicable levies into a single annual document.
According to him, “We want to stop fragmented collection of levies. Members will pay once a year through a Consolidated Single Annual Demand Notice that will incorporate all applicable fees.”
Odior added that the initiative forms part of wider reforms to automate tax processes in Edo State, enhance transparency, and improve ease of compliance. He also reiterated the extension of the annual tax filing deadline to April 30, 2026, urging full compliance under the self-assessment regime.
He warned that tax evasion remains a criminal offence and advised business owners to formalise their operations, maintain proper records, and obtain Tax Identification Numbers in line with the Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA).
He also reinforced the ban on illegal cash collections, directing that unauthorised revenue agents be reported to security agencies.
Further strengthening revenue reforms, Odior charged banks collecting Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in the state to ensure full compliance with revenue administration processes, particularly real-time access to collection data for transparency and planning purposes.
During engagements with branch and zonal managers of financial institutions, he stressed that banks must comply with Withholding Tax Regulations of 2024, including deductions on interest on deposits and payments for goods and services.
He also reminded them of their obligation under the NTAA to submit returns on transactions exceeding ₦25 million within seven days after each quarter.
In a separate meeting with Data Collecting Agents, Odior urged strict adherence to professional ethics and compliance with evolving tax laws, noting that recent reforms now include stamp duties on rental and lease agreements as well as benefits in kind, all of which must be properly captured in reporting.
He assured all stakeholders of the EIRS’s continued support in addressing compliance challenges, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to deploying tax revenue for development projects across Edo State.
The engagements were attended by senior EIRS officials, including the Executive Director of MDA Services, Hon. (Engr.) Jackson Eribo; the Executive Director of Income Taxes, Mr. Victor Enemare; the Secretary to the Service, Mr. Odia Eghosa; and other top management staff.
