Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) says it is ready to embark on a name and shame campaign of defaulting taxpayers in its renewed drive to ensure compliance with tax laws.

EIRS’ Executive Chairman, ‘Nidu Inneh, said this in a statement on Wednesday in Benin.

He noted that the list included owners of hotels, bars, eateries, restaurants, trade associations, lawyers, architects, medical professionals, and school proprietors.

Mr Inneh added that many high net-worth individuals and contractors faced the risk of prosecution for tax evasion.

“We have resolved to embark on a name and shame campaign, as many proprietors who run viable businesses in the state are culpable for tax avoidance and evasion.

“At the same time, we wish to appreciate our dutiful taxpayers, who have kept faith with the government and have continued to pay their taxes. We thank you, our esteemed compliant taxpayers.”

He added that the state government was committed to ensuring tax defaulters were brought to book.

He noted that some gas plant operators and petrol station owners fall in the category of those who had not been faithful with offsetting their tax obligations.

(NAN)