The Benue State Internal Revenue Service (BIRS) Acting Chairman, Emmanuel Agena, has shared that there are 35 individuals currently under prosecution for engaging in illegal tax collection within the state.
After surpassing the 2023 revenue target of N14 billion, Agena has set a new goal for the agency to generate over N16 billion in revenue by 2024.
In a conversation with the press on Monday, Agena expressed worry about the activities of unauthorized tax collectors in the state, highlighting that some of them receive support from influential figures.
He emphasized that his leadership at BIRS aims to eradicate the practice of political patronage, with a focus on significantly reducing illegal tax collection operations.
The BIRS leader also condemned a recent event where a truck transporting palliatives from Adamawa to Anambra State was hijacked by youths in Aliade, Gwer East.
He mentioned that three suspects have been apprehended in connection with the incident.
“A truck was intercepted, the driver was assaulted, the vehicle’s windshield was shattered, and over N200,000 was stolen.
“Three individuals are now in police custody pending transfer to the DSS for thorough investigations.
“Our objective is to eliminate or minimize the presence of illicit tax collectors. As of now, 35 individuals involved in illegal tax activities have been detained and are undergoing prosecution.
“This has posed a significant challenge. We have formed a task force overseen by the Tax Collection Director. Key figures in the state are promoting these actions among young individuals,” he explained.