The Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) has announced a significant drive towards the automation of tax processes within the state. This strategic move is aimed at ensuring smoother operations, reducing instances of tax diversion and leakages, and ultimately boosting state revenue. During a half-year performance review briefing, Otunba Oladele Bankole-Balogun, Executive Chairman of EIRS, detailed the successes achieved in the first half of the year under his leadership, which began in December of the previous year.

EIRS reported an impressive total of N52.6 billion in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for the period between January and June 2025. This figure represents an 89.5 percent performance against a half-year budgeted figure of N58.8 billion. This collection also marks a historic 46 percent increase in revenue performance year-on-year, compared to the N36.1 billion recorded in the same period in 2024. The monthly breakdown of collections for the first half of 2025 shows a steady progression: N10.4 billion in January, N9.6 billion in February, N6.9 billion in March, N6.9 billion in April, N7.8 billion in May, and over N11 billion in June, culminating in the N52.6 billion Half-Year-To-Date (HYTD) total for 2025.

Bankole-Balogun attributed these remarkable achievements to several key factors, including the strong synergy among EIRS staff and management, and crucially, the unwavering support from the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, and his Deputy, Dennis Idahosa. He also extended appreciation to the taxpayers of Edo State – individuals, corporations, and government MDAs – whose high level of compliance has been instrumental to the service's success. The EIRS has engaged a technical service provider to implement comprehensive tax administration and automation solutions, further streamlining collection efforts.

Looking ahead, Bankole-Balogun pledged to create opportunities for a simple and seamless tax payment experience. He emphasized the EIRS's commitment to continue widening the tax net in the state, urging all citizens to view tax payment as a civic duty. Since assuming office, his focus has been on enhancing staff capacity, engaging regularly with stakeholders, upgrading infrastructure, improving staff welfare, and strengthening compliance with tax laws. Collaborative efforts with the judiciary have also played a vital role, leading to the successful recovery of tax liabilities owed to the state government.

Commenting on the recently signed Nigeria Tax Reform Law by President Bola Tinubu, Bankole-Balogun stated that the EIRS would intensify its public enlightenment efforts. The goal is to ensure taxpayers are fully aware of the changes and how these reforms will affect them. He articulated a vision for a sustainable Edo State, where tax revenue powers development and rewards taxpayers. The EIRS is committed to delivering value-added services, improving transparency, and strengthening the tax system. Bankole-Balogun noted that while it is not possible to bring everyone into the tax net at once, the EIRS has successfully onboarded 1900 new taxpayers within the period and plans to progressively expand its tax base, with a particular focus on higher-income earners under the new law, employing creativity and technology to improve collection efficiency.