0
The administration of Monday Okpebholo, the Governor of Edo State, has just clocked one year in office and the Executive Chairman of the state internal revenue service, Otunba Oladele Bankole-Balogun, seized the opportunity to speak on the journey so far. He speaks with FRANCIS ONOIRIBHOLO on the state’s revenue generation system, among others. Excerpts:
What are the greatest achievements of the state internal revenue service under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo in the past one year?
I make bold to say that the greatest achievements of the Board since its inception under the leadership of our amiable working Governor, includes the steady increase in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) when compared to the previous years. As at today the 11th of November, 2025, the EIRS has generated N93 billion Naira year to date, N52.6billion in half year of 2025, enhancement of our digital technology solution to track revenue collections in real-time thereby reducing incidences of revenue leakages to its barest minimum, and the continuous broadening of the tax net to capture more individuals and businesses. Also worthy of mention is the enhancement of our very diligent staff welfare and capacity development through continuous training – be it locally or internationally. All thanks to his Excellency’s gracious approvals.
We’ve also introduced a stricter compliance monitoring unit to forestall illegal revenue collections in the State, and most importantly, public confidence in the tax system has grown. Taxpayers are beginning to see value for their contributions with the numerous infrastructural developments undertaken by the working Governor. These are the major milestones.
As the executive Chairman of the state internal revenue service, what reforms has the administration brought into the revenue systems of the state since you assumed office?
The administration of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has prioritised transparency, efficiency, and technology-driven reforms in revenue administration. Since the assumption of office, we have restructured our tax collection process to align with global best practices by strengthening and upgrading our revenue automation systems, expanding the Edo State Revenue Administration System (ERAS), and integrating all revenue-generating MDAs into this unified digital platform.
We’ve also reviewed some of our tax policies to reflect fairness and equity, which ensures that every taxable individual or business contributes according to capacity. Taxpayer education has also been intensified, payment channels simplified, and human interface reduced. All these are in line with the Governor’s agenda to build a sustainable, technology-based revenue ecosystem.
How have these reforms contributed to ensuring that taxes are collected seamlessly without any issues of double or multiple taxation?
Eliminating the issues of double or multiple taxation, system integration and harmonisation of data is very key. Through our digital platform (ERAS), we’re able to uniquely identify each taxpayer with a Revenue Identification Number (RIN) and going further to link these numbers to the NIMC database using individual NINs preventing duplications. We have also improved collaboration with local governments and other revenue generating Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to streamline collection channels, ensuring that levies and taxes are properly categorised, coordinated and accounted for.
Today, I can proudly say that taxpayers in Edo State can transact and remit their taxes through verified electronic channels with e-government receipts issued to them from the comfort of their homes or offices, making the process more seamless, transparent, and accountable.
What are the challenges inherent in the tax collection process and how have you addressed or intend to address them?
I must say that in every aspect of life, challenges exist and taxation isn’t exempt from challenges — ranging from taxpayer apathy, current economic realities, and the very huge unregulated informal sector operations to numerous enforcement bottlenecks. However, our job is not one of complaints, but that of providing solutions. We’re addressing these challenges through sustained public enlightenment, various stakeholders’ engagements, and intense collaboration with professional bodies and various trade unions.
On our part, we’re leveraging technology to reduce leakages and strengthen our compliance enforcement processes. Also, it’s worthy to note that all our operations are guided by law and as such, the administration has been very supportive in providing legal and institutional backing, where necessary, for the service to operate effectively.
According to you, there has been an increase in IGR in the state and we would like to know the total number of taxpayers in the state tax net and how many are expected to be in the net?
Yes. I make bold to say that the IGR in conjunction with other Revenue Generating MDAs in the state have been able to generate over N86 billion in revenue as at the end of October and these numbers have been achieved by taxpayers’ resident in Edo. As of today, Edo State has over 1,009,083 (One million, nine thousand and eighty-three) registered taxpayers in our database, comprising of individuals, businesses, and corporate entities. Our target is to expand the net further with HNWIs (High Net-Worth Individuals) before the end of the year, to assist largely with the changes that would come to effect by January 1, 2027 with the commencement of the Nigeria Tax Administration Act.
Of the numbers and those not yet in the tax net, how many of them have defaulted in their tax obligations to the state and how many of them were arrested, how many charged to court and how many convicted?
I can’t categorically give you a specific figure right now, but we’ve been able to identify a sizeable number of registered defaulters at various levels of non-compliance of the payment or remittances of tax liabilities. However, our approach has been largely based on persuasion rather than the punitive approach.
We’ve prioritised engagement and education of these defaulting taxpayers to elicit voluntary compliance. Nevertheless, where taxpayers persist in default after all the “carrot” approach, the Service is left with no choice than to invoke relevant provisions of the law by wielding the “stick”.
Between January and September 2025, about 560 default cases have been referred to the Service’s Legal Department for prosecution, out of which a number of convictions have been secured.
How many staff or consultants have violated the laid down rules and regulations of tax collection in the state and how many of them have been penalised?
Integrity is at the heart of our operations here at the Internal Revenue Service, as a matter of fact, it’s our foremost core value. That brings me to mentioning that a few cases of varying degree of misconduct have been reported within the year — involving either internal staff or external agents. In some cases, disciplinary actions have been meted out while in some, warnings have been issued in line and with our Human Resource Policies and Processes and contractual agreements depending on the gravity of the offence. I would like to mention that under this Board and my capacity as Executive Chairman, we maintain a zero-tolerance policy for corruption and unethical conduct.
How much are the tax defaulters or tax evaders owing the state at the moment?
Currently, outstanding liabilities from tax defaulters are at a reasonable level, spanning various tax types — including Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE), withholding tax, Direct Assessment, and other Revenue heads. However, we’ve instituted a structured recovery mechanism using technology, field enforcement, and legal prosecution where necessary. The objective isn’t just to recover funds, but to ensure that we encourage and sustain voluntary compliance going forward.
How are you tackling issues of leakages which is always the challenges in revenue collection?
Leakages are indeed a major concern in revenue generation
systems. To tackle this, the EIRS under Governor Okpebholo’s watch has introduced multiple layers of control. These include the automation of collection points, real-time monitoring dashboards, and mandatory reconciliation of all revenue accounts. We’ve phased out manual receipts, strengthened our internal audit processes, and introduced periodic third-party audits. Additionally, collaboration with law enforcement agencies has been deepened to deter and prosecute offenders. The goal is simple — every kobo due to the Edo State Government must enter the government’s account.
What’s your message to the taxpayers in the state and to the state government on those things that need to be in place to make the revenue generation system seamless?
Every taxpayer must see the need to partner with His Excellency by paying taxes. Paying tax isn’t a burden — it’s our shared way of building the Edo of our dreams. Everyone has a role to play, because you can’t complain about government performance if you don’t contribute your own quota.
Under the leadership of Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Government has achieved phenomenal progress within just one year. Imagine what more can be done for the great people of Edo when more citizens join hands and pay their fair share. Together, through our taxes, we can make Edo stronger, better, and truly prosperous for all.