EIRS chairman denies link to child’s death, clarifies taxation concerns

The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS), Mr Oladele Bankole Balogun, has stated that the death of a two-year-old child in an incident involving a member of the suspended Public Safety Response (PRS) team has no connection to the EIRS.

Balogun made this clarification when the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) led a delegation of journalists on a courtesy visit to the revenue service in Benin City.

He criticised the political undertones attached to the matter, saying some individuals are attempting to discredit a democratically elected government.

“There’s a lot of unfortunate politics aimed at bringing down the government of this State. Some people refuse to accept the will of the people and instead cook up dangerous narratives to create problems in the political landscape,” Balogun said. “That incident has absolutely nothing to do with the revenue service.”

On the alleged increase in taxes for private schools in Edo State, Balogun dismissed the claim, explaining that the EIRS does not have the authority to raise taxes arbitrarily.

He emphasised that taxation is governed by law and that no tax could be increased without due legislative process.

“The Revenue Service cannot unilaterally increase taxes for private schools. That claim is false,” he stated.

“Tax laws are determined by statute, meaning we cannot wake up one day and decide to impose new taxes. Every tax is itemised by law.”

Balogun suggested that complaints about higher tax demands may stem from stricter enforcement rather than any actual increase.

He pointed out that the EIRS is actively ensuring compliance, particularly among individuals and businesses that have previously underreported or evaded taxes.

“The only authority that can increase tax rates for the state is the State House of Assembly, acting on the recommendation of the Executive Governor, and always in line with federal tax laws,” he explained.

He urged Edo residents to embrace taxation as a civic duty, stressing that tax revenue is essential for government projects, including roads, schools, hospitals, infrastructure, and security. He warned that failure to pay taxes is a criminal offence and should not be viewed as a punishment but as a necessary contribution to society.

“Tax is not a punitive measure. It is what enables the government to function. Everywhere in the world, people pay taxes, and everywhere in the world, some people try to evade them. But in developed countries, tax evasion carries heavy consequences, including imprisonment and asset forfeiture,” he said.

Balogun praised Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo’s leadership, stating that the administration’s policies are already yielding positive results for the state. He also assured the NUJ of a partnership to promote public awareness on taxation.

Earlier, the Chairman of NUJ Edo State Council, Dr Festus Alenkhe, emphasised the need for collaboration between the media and the EIRS.

He called for transparency to enable journalists to provide accurate information on the agency’s activities and taxation policies.

The Edo NUJ Chairman advised the management  of the revenue service to organise a quarterly media briefing.

Dr Alenkhe said taxation is very key in the development of any society and called for the cooperation of the  public.