Benue BIRS Pursues Prosecution of 35 Illegal Tax Collectors

The Acting Chairman of the Benue State Internal Revenue Service (BIRS), Emmanuel Agena, has unveiled ongoing legal actions against 35 individuals implicated in illicit tax collection within the state.

Agena declared the agency’s ambitious goal to generate over N16 billion in revenue for 2024, building upon the successful surpassing of its N14 billion target in 2023.

Addressing journalists on Monday, Agena expressed concern over the prevalence of illegal tax collection in the state, citing the backing of influential figures for many perpetrators.

He emphasized his administration’s determination at the BIRS to eliminate the culture of political patronage, striving to significantly curb illicit tax collection activities.

Furthermore, the BIRS chief denounced a recent incident involving the hijacking of a truck transporting palliatives from Adamawa to Anambra State by youths in Aliade, Gwer East.

He revealed the arrest of three suspects linked to the occurrence, labeling it a significant challenge and affirming the establishment of a dedicated team led by the Director of Tax Collection to address such issues, noting the involvement of prominent individuals in encouraging these actions.