Ukorebi Esien | February 9, 2026
CALABAR — The Cross River Internal Revenue Service (CRIRS) has issued a stern warning to taxpayers to stop paying taxes in cash or into private accounts, insisting that all revenue must be remitted only through official government-designated channels to ensure compliance, proper record-keeping and enforcement.
The warning was delivered by Prince Edwin Okon, PhD, Executive Chairman of CRIRS, during a public address where he stressed that every taxpayer must have a valid Tax Identification Number (Tax ID) and must make payments only into government revenue accounts. Payments made to individuals or company accounts outside the official system will not be captured in government records, which could expose taxpayers to enforcement action.
Dr. Okon explained that just as a bank transaction only updates one's statement when it is correctly posted, tax records with the government are only updated when funds are lodged in the correct government account with a valid Tax ID. He warned that taxpayers who deposit funds into the wrong accounts "will pay twice" because their tax information would remain unupdated at the service. He also vowed to pursue any consultant who collects taxes into personal or corporate accounts, saying such individuals will be blacklisted and reported to security agencies for appropriate action.
This clarion call builds on recent reforms implemented by the CRIRS under the state government's revenue modernization agenda. From January 1, 2026, the service began cashless tax operations, directing all tax payments to digital platforms or bank deposits to designated government revenue accounts and strictly prohibiting cash collections or personal account transfers.
The cashless policy, which took effect under newly enacted tax reform acts, aims to enhance revenue service delivery, reduce multiple taxation, and eliminate revenue leakages. Under the reforms, revenue consultants were directed to cease issuing new tax assessments until full compliance with the law is ensured.
Government sources and previous media reports have also noted the state's broader efforts to combat tax evasion and improve compliance. The Cross River State Government has repeatedly warned taxpayers to avoid revenue payments to unauthorized accounts, describing such practices as contrary to financial regulations and harmful to the integrity of the tax system.
CRIRS has also been active in enforcing compliance and cracking down on illicit tax collection practices. Earlier enforcement operations uncovered illegal revenue agents issuing fraudulent receipts and extorting payments outside official channels, prompting arrests and further regulatory action.
The service's renewed push for proper tax remittances underscores the state government's commitment to strengthening internally generated revenue, ensuring transparency, and building a stable financial environment that supports development
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