The Executive Chairman of the Cross River Internal Revenue Service (CRIRS), Prince Edwin Okon, PhD, has reiterated the State Government's stance on the suspension of cash payments into Individuals or Consultants accounts while underscoring the growing importance of the Tax Identification Number (Tax ID) under Nigeria’s new tax reform framework.
Prince Okon made this disclosure during a Virtual Sensitization Webinar organized by CRIRS recently. The webinar focused on the implications of the new tax reforms for salary earners as well as small, medium, and large-scale business owners.
According to him, taxpayers are encouraged to utilize digital platforms and bank deposits to pay their taxes and levies pending the State's adoption and enactment of the Harmonized Tax Laws.
He added that the possession of a valid Tax ID has become fundamental to effective tax administration and compliance. He urged taxpayers to obtain or update their Tax IDs, noting that official letterheads and bank transactions should carry the Tax ID to enhance proper identification and tracking of tax payments.
“Most importantly, every taxpayer should either get a Tax Identification Number or update the existing one. It is a simple process that only requires the National Identification Number (NIN) for individuals and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) number for corporate entities.” he said.
Prince Okon further disclosed that CRIRS has resumed free physical Tax ID registration exercises to accommodate taxpayers who are not tech-savvy, ensuring inclusive participation in the tax system.
The webinar attracted a wide range of participants, including taxpayers, business owners, professionals, and other stakeholders from within and outside Cross River State. The engagement forms part of CRIRS’ sustained commitment to tax education and enlightenment, particularly in light of recent reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s tax system.
Still speaking during the session, Prince Okon attributed the recent ₦57 billion revenue milestone recorded by the Cross River State Government to increased public trust in governance, noting that such achievements are only possible when citizens have confidence in government and willingly comply with their tax obligations.
He also acknowledged the unwavering commitment of Governor Bassey Otu, stating that the Governor has consistently ensured that citizens benefit directly from ongoing tax reforms through the establishment of sound economic and institutional structures. According to him, the Governor’s people-centered approach has created an enabling environment where tax policies translate into tangible socio-economic benefits for residents of the State.
Prince Okon further revealed that Cross River State is making deliberate efforts to join other states that have implemented the Harmonized Taxes approved by the Joint Revenue Board (JRB), a move aimed at reducing multiple taxation, improving ease of doing business, and aligning the state’s tax administration with national best practices.
The webinar featured seasoned tax experts and policy stakeholders, including Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee, and Mr. Segun Ade, Executive Secretary of the Joint Revenue Board. Both experts provided in-depth insights into the reforms, clarified common misconceptions, and explained the implications of the new tax framework for employees, entrepreneurs, and corporate organizations, while commending Cross River State for its leadership in tax reform advocacy.
Mr. Oyedele noted that the reforms favour low-income earners and small-scale business owners, highlighting tax relief measures such as Corporate Income Tax exemptions for businesses with annual turnover below ₦100 million.
Participants were also guided on the practical implications of the reforms on personal income tax, business operations, compliance requirements, and emerging opportunities under the new tax regime. These sessions were delivered by Dr. Patience Egwu, Head of Revenue Assurance, and Mr. Essien Ansa, Director of Personal Income Tax, both of CRIRS.
An interactive question-and-answer session further enhanced engagement, allowing participants to seek clarification on specific concerns.
CRIRS reaffirmed that sustained tax education remains a top priority, emphasizing that informed taxpayers are more likely to comply voluntarily. The Service noted that revenue generated through taxation is critical for funding social services, infrastructure development, and corporate social responsibility initiatives, particularly in underserved and rural communities, adding that the webinar is part of ongoing physical and virtual engagements to keep taxpayers well informed as the new tax reforms take effect.
Achiane Adams
