Authorities at the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service (AIRS) have embarked on an intensive revenue drive to meet the state’s annual projected internal revenue target.
To this end, the agency has instructed individuals and corporate organisations to settle their outstanding tax liabilities within a specified timeframe to avoid statutory penalties.
The Executive Chairman of AIRS, Ikeazor Okonkwo, disclosed this at his office in the State Revenue House, Agu-Awka, as part of a public enlightenment campaign. He noted that many individuals and corporate entities had formed a habit of evading tax payments, depriving the state of necessary funds and adversely affecting local development projects.
According to Okonkwo, AIRS has commenced full statutory enforcement and compliance monitoring against non-compliant taxpayers—spanning individuals, businesses, and corporate organisations—in accordance with applicable tax laws.
He added that this enforcement drive became necessary following the expiration of the Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration and Tax Regularisation Scheme (VAIDS) on 5 September.
He explained that during the VAIDS window, taxpayers were given the opportunity to voluntarily regularise their outstanding tax obligations and benefit from concessions.
‘With the expiration of the scheme, the window for voluntary tax regularisation has closed. Enforcement actions will now apply to taxpayers who failed to regularise their outstanding tax liabilities under VAIDS, received “Best of Judgement” assessments and failed to object or settle them within the prescribed period, or otherwise failed to discharge their statutory obligations,’ Okonkwo stated.
He warned that non-compliant taxpayers face legal enforcement measures, including the issuance of final statutory Demand Notices, the sealing of business premises where applicable, court proceedings, and the recovery of outstanding liabilities through lawful means.
‘All affected taxpayers are therefore advised to take immediate steps to settle their tax obligations. About 500,000 taxpayers are already captured in the state database, and over the next few months, the agency intends to register an additional million taxpayers.’
Okonkwo highlighted that enforcement will largely be handled through digital processes to reduce physical contact and potential friction. Before launching the drive, the agency notified the public via media broadcasts, jingles, announcements in churches and markets, and mobile public address systems.
‘We are also setting up an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism so that taxpayers with genuine objections can have their issues heard and resolved,’ he noted. ‘However, AIRS will lawfully pursue all individuals and entities that have failed to regularise their tax affairs. Those who are already compliant should simply maintain their status.’
Reflecting on the agency’s strategy, Okonkwo added: ‘As a tax authority, our first six months were focused on education, engagement, and helping taxpayers understand the process. We also used data analytics to identify significant areas of non-compliance and individuals who have blatantly refused to pay their taxes. We are now working through legal channels to carry out enforcement.’
