Executive Chairman of the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS), Otunba Oladele Bankole-Balogun, has disclosed that the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has experienced steady growth since Governor Monday Okpebholo assumed office.
He revealed this during an exclusive interview, where he highlighted the progress achieved in digital taxation, enforcement reforms, and expanding the state’s tax net within the governor’s first year in office.
Steady Growth in Revenue
Bankole-Balogun said the agency has already generated ₦93 billion year-to-date, including ₦52.6 billion in the first half of 2025, surpassing previous yearly records.
He attributed the growth to technology-driven monitoring systems that track collections in real-time and minimize leakages, as well as an expanded tax net that now includes over 1,009,083 registered taxpayers across the state.
Technology-Driven Reforms
The EIRS chairman noted that the Okpebholo administration has prioritized transparency and efficiency by upgrading the Edo Revenue Administration System (ERAS) and integrating all revenue-generating MDAs into a unified digital platform.
He added that the introduction of Revenue Identification Numbers (RINs) linked with NIN data has helped eliminate duplicate records and curb multiple taxation, while simplified e-payment channels now allow taxpayers to remit dues from their homes or offices with verified e-receipts.
Addressing Challenges
Despite economic challenges, apathy, and the large informal sector, the EIRS chief said the service has intensified taxpayer education, collaborated with professional groups and unions, and strengthened legal backing for enforcement.
Between January and September 2025, 560 default cases were forwarded for prosecution, with several resulting in convictions.
Bankole-Balogun also confirmed that some staff and consultants were disciplined for misconduct, stressing that the agency maintains strict zero-tolerance for corruption.
Plugging Leakages
To curb revenue leakages, the agency has deployed automated collection points, real-time dashboards, internal and third-party audits, and closer cooperation with security agencies.
According to him, the objective is clear: “Every kobo due to Edo State must enter the government’s account.”
Message to Taxpayers
The EIRS chairman urged Edo residents to support the governor’s vision by paying their taxes regularly.
He said the transformational projects seen in the first year of Okpebholo’s tenure show how much more can be achieved when more citizens comply voluntarily.
