EFCC Join Forces With EIRS To Tackle Edo Tax Fraud

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has joined forces with the Edo State Internal Revenue Services in combating tax fraud in the state.

The agreement was sealed when the Chairman of Edo State Internal Revenue Service, John Odior paid a courtesy visit to the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Commiission on Thursday.

Odior disclosed that he was at the commission to explore areas of collaboration and deepen the relationship between the two organisations.

He noted that collaboration with the EFCC became imperative in order to bring in those who evade taxes, pay little and those who are not captured into 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," he said. 

Odior noted that through such information sharing, more people will be captured into the tax net and improve the revenue drive of the state government.

The Acting Zonal Director, Benin Zonal Directorate, DCE Sa'ad Hanafi Sa'ad said that the commission has been collaborating with the EIRS and was willing to continue noting that the EFCC has a section that deals with tax matters.

 "We have a Tax Fraud Section which deals with issues of taxes. 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 added. 

Sa'ad, who is also a Deputy Commander of the EFCC assured the EIRS boss that the commission's door will always be open to them. 

"You can call on us anytime you have anything to share with us and we shall respond accordingly," he said.