In a decisive move to curb illicit financial inflows and extortion within the tax system, the Cross River Internal Revenue Service (CRIRS) launched an enforcement drive on Friday, March 14, 2025, leading to the arrest of six unauthorized revenue agents in Akamkpa and Odukpani Local Government Areas. The suspects have since been handed over to security operatives for further investigation.
The crackdown aligns with Section 7(2)(q) of the Cross River Revenue Administrative Law, 2011 (as amended), which designates CRIRS as the sole revenue administration and management authority in the state. Under this mandate, the Service has the exclusive power to appoint and regulate revenue consultants, ensuring compliance with official tax policies.
During the operation, enforcement officers discovered illegal receipts fraudulently bearing the names and logos of the Cross River State Government and CRIRS.
These counterfeit receipts contained outrageous revenue heads and charges, further exposing the extent of the fraudulent activities.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to eliminate unauthorized revenue roadblocks, sanitize the state’s tax system, and curb extortion and revenue leakages. By enforcing proper tax collection mechanisms, the CRIRS aims to: Promote a transparent and sustainable revenue culture; Tackle the menace of multiple taxation; and Create a business-friendly environment for economic growth.
The CRIRS reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on illegal revenue collection, warning that similarly enforcement actions will continue across the state to safeguard public funds and uphold the integrity of the tax system.
Ndifereke Bassey, Beagle News
