FIC Report (Edo State) – In a significant move to strengthen efforts against tax fraud and bolster revenue generation, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) have agreed to enhance their collaborative efforts. This strategic partnership was formalized during a courtesy visit by the Executive Chairman of the EIRS, Mr. John Odior, to the EFCC’s Benin Zonal Directorate on Thursday, May 7th, 2026 in Benin City.
During the visit, Mr. Odior emphasized the importance of joint efforts in identifying and prosecuting tax evaders, as well as expanding the tax net to include more residents of Edo State. He highlighted that the collaboration would facilitate better tracking of individuals who either completely evade taxes, underpay, or are not recorded in the state’s tax database, thereby ensuring a more comprehensive revenue collection process.
“The Partnership is essential for us to effectively identify suspects and verify their tax compliance. When arresting an individual, we can request evidence of tax payment or a valid tax clearance certificate. Additionally, we can write to the EFCC to verify whether the person has been remitting taxes. This cooperation will significantly improve our ability to enforce tax laws,” Odior explained.
He also pointed out that increased information sharing between the two Agencies would play a vital role in improving tax compliance among residents and increasing internally generated revenue for the State Government.
Reacting to the development, the Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC’s Benin Zonal Directorate, Deputy Commander Sa’ad Hanafi Sa’ad, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to maintaining and expanding its partnership with the EIRS. He disclosed that the EFCC has established a dedicated Tax Fraud Section responsible for investigating tax-related offenses, underscoring the importance of taxation as a crucial revenue stream for the government.
“We recognize that tax revenue is vital for the development of our nation, and we have a specialized unit that handles issues related to tax evasion. The EFCC is committed to ensuring that those who attempt to evade their tax obligations face appropriate consequences,” Sa’ad stated.
He assured the EIRS of the EFCC’s ongoing support, emphasizing that the agency remains open to sharing intelligence and providing assistance whenever necessary to ensure effective enforcement of tax laws and curb fraudulent activities related to taxation.
This collaboration marks a proactive step toward strengthening tax enforcement in Edo State, with both Agencies committed to working together to ensure a fair and efficient revenue collection system that benefits the State’s Development Initiatives.
By Egwaoje Amarachi Linda
ACI&PRO, FIC Benin
May 7th, 2026.
