RismadarVoice Reporters
May 7, 2026
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) have agreed to strengthen collaboration aimed at tackling tax fraud and improving revenue generation in Edo State.
The agreement was reached on Thursday, May 7, 2026, during a courtesy visit by the Chairman of the EIRS, John Odior, to the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC.
During the meeting, Odior said the visit was intended to deepen institutional cooperation and explore practical areas of partnership between both agencies, particularly in enhancing tax compliance and expanding the state’s tax base.
He stressed that closer collaboration with the EFCC had become necessary to identify and prosecute tax evaders, noting that many individuals and businesses either underpay taxes or remain entirely outside the tax net.
“When you arrest a suspect, ask for evidence of their tax payment or tax clearance. You can write to us to find out whether the person has been paying tax or not, and we shall provide you with the information,” Odior said. He added that improved information sharing would significantly boost the state’s revenue drive by ensuring more taxpayers are properly captured.
In his response, the Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC Benin Directorate, Sa’ad Hanafi Sa’ad, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to sustained cooperation with the EIRS.
Sa’ad noted that the EFCC already maintains a dedicated Tax Fraud Section to address issues relating to tax evasion, describing tax compliance as a critical component of national revenue generation.
“The Commission recognises its importance as a source of revenue for the government and we ensure that those who try to evade tax payment face the consequence of their action,” he said.
He assured the EIRS leadership that the EFCC’s doors remain open for continuous engagement, adding that the Commission would promptly respond to requests for collaboration or information sharing.
The meeting according to reports, signals a renewed push by both agencies to tighten enforcement mechanisms and strengthen fiscal accountability in Edo State, as authorities seek to broaden the tax net and curb financial crimes linked to tax evasion.
