By ebosele@hotmail.com –
The Edo State Government has described the newly introduced Tax Acts, which take effect from January 1, 2026, as fairer and more progressive, with specific provisions exempting low-income earners from personal income tax.
In a New Year message, the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS), Otunba Oladele Bankole-Balogun, assured taxpayers of the agency’s readiness to provide guidance and support throughout the transition to the new tax regime.
According to him, the reforms mark a historic turning point in the state’s revenue administration, aimed at creating a more equitable tax system while simplifying compliance for small businesses.
“As we usher in the promise of 2026, I, on behalf of the EIRS Board, Management and Staff, extend my warmest wishes and profound gratitude to taxpayers for their resilience and cooperation throughout 2025,” the statement read.
Bankole-Balogun noted that the consistent fulfillment of civic obligations by taxpayers has remained the foundation of Edo State’s development, supporting critical investments in infrastructure, healthcare and education that benefit residents across the state.
He explained that the full implementation of the New Nigeria Tax Acts would introduce modernized frameworks, including the adoption of the National Identification Number (NIN) for seamless Taxpayer Identification, to enhance efficiency and transparency in tax administration.
While urging all taxable individuals and entities to embrace the reforms with a strong sense of responsibility, the EIRS Chairman reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to transparency, digital innovation and taxpayer education.
“The EIRS is fully committed to guiding taxpayers through this transition with transparency and digital ease, ensuring that their contributions continue to build a vibrant and self-sustaining Edo State.”
