EFCC, EIRS Unite to Curb Tax Evasion in Edo

​The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) have formalized a strategic partnership aimed at dismantling tax fraud syndicates and boosting the state’s revenue profile.

​The synergy was solidified on Thursday, May 7, 2026, during a high-level consultative meeting at the EFCC’s Benin Zonal Directorate. Speaking during the visit, EIRS Chairman John Odior emphasized that a collaborative approach is essential to identifying high-net-worth individuals and entities that consistently bypass the tax net or under-report their earnings.

​”When you arrest a suspect, request evidence of their tax payment or a valid tax clearance certificate,” Odior urged EFCC officials. “Through real-time information sharing, we can ensure that every individual benefiting from the state’s resources contributes their fair share to its development.”

​The EIRS boss highlighted that the partnership would focus on three primary targets:

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• ​Chronic tax evaders.
• ​Individuals who significantly underpay their tax obligations.
• ​Unregistered businesses operating outside the formal economy.

​In his response, the Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC’s Benin Directorate, DCE Sa’ad Hanafi Sa’ad, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to the initiative. He noted that the EFCC maintains a dedicated Tax Fraud Section specifically designed to handle such financial discrepancies.

​”The Commission recognizes tax revenue as a pillar of government stability,” Sa’ad stated. “Our doors remain open for intelligence sharing, and we are prepared to ensure that those attempting to sabotage the state’s economy through evasion face the full weight of the law.”

​The collaboration is expected to trigger a wave of joint investigations, with the EIRS providing financial records to assist the EFCC in verifying the fiscal compliance of suspects under investigation for various economic crimes.