The Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS), says it will collaborate with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), to strengthen tax compliance among expatriates through improved data sharing and enforcement mechanisms.

The Head of Corporate Communications and Taxpayers Enlightenment Services at EIRS, Courage Eboigbe, said this in a statement on Wednesday in Benin.

According to Mr Eboigbe, the Executive Chairman of EIRS, John Odior, disclosed this during a familiarisation visit to the Edo State Comptroller of NIS.

Mr Odior said that national development required coordinated institutional efforts.

He emphasised that the partnership would focus on establishing a robust data-sharing framework to enhance revenue tracking, economic planning and accurate projections.

He stressed the need to bring expatriates and immigration personnel into the tax net through proper filing of individual tax returns.

”We must ensure comprehensive tax compliance, especially among expatriates through structured collaboration and information exchange,” he said.

Mr Odior also proposed making Tax Clearance Certificates (TCC) a mandatory requirement for processing passports, describing the move as critical to strengthening fiscal discipline.

He added that enhanced inter-agency synergy would deliver mutual benefits and improve revenue generation for the state.

The EIRS chairman also conducted an educational session for immigration officers, explaining the distinctions between federal and state taxes, recent tax reforms and the importance of tax clearance compliance.

He stated that the state government under Governor Monday Okpebholo suspended revenue collection in the transport sector to ease the financial burden on residents.

Responding, the Edo State Comptroller of NIS, Steve Ibeabuchi, acknowledged the importance of taxation in national development and assured the revenue agency of full cooperation.

He said, “We recognise the role of taxation in societal advancement and will support initiatives that promote compliance and developmen.”

(NAN)