Edo upholds Revenue Service’s role in revenue collection, bans MDAs

The Edo State Government has banned the Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government (MDAs) from revenue collection in the State, upholding the role of State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) on revenue collection.

John Odior, Executive Chairman of the Service, disclosed this on Wednesday during a meeting with Heads of MDAs and Permanent Secretaries in the State.

Odior said the banning of MDAs from revenue collection was part of strategic measures to sanitize, streamline, and ensure full accountability for Internally Generated Revenue.

He urged the Heads of the MDAs to strictly adhere to the State Revenue Administration Law, noting that all revenue collections must now be conducted exclusively through government approved IGR accounts.

He said the directive was contained in a circular dated April 1, 2026 and addressed to all heads of MDAs, civil commissioners, Permanent Secretaries and Auditors-General (State and Local Government).

He said the directive reaffirmed the State Internal Revenue Service as the sole authority legally empowered to assess, collect, and report all revenues accruing to the state government.

Odior added that the empowerment of the Service as the sole revenue collector was pursuant to Section 10 (2) and Section 21 (b) of the Edo State Revenue Administration Law, 2012.

According to him, all MDAs must immediately stop direct revenue collection and terminate the engagement of third-party agents for the purpose of collecting taxes, levies or fees.

“All Heads of MDAs are responsible for ensuring that taxpayers and business operators are cautioned against making payments to unauthorized individuals or groups.

“All payments must be made into designated government approved IGR accounts. Any other accounts currently in use for revenue collection are to be discontinued immediately.

“All assessments and payments for services, renewals, and licenses must be processed via the Edo Revenue Administration System (ERAS).

“Any MDA official or individuals found to be in contravention of this directive shall be deemed to be acting in violation of the law and shall be sanctioned accordingly”, he said.

The Edo Revenue Service boss noted that full cooperation of the directive is non-negotiable for effective revenue tracking and the elimination of financial leakages.

Odior, who expressed dissatisfaction with the current level of compliance, opined that strict revenue discipline is essential for government to provide infrastructure and development across the state.