By Sofiat Adenekan-Abdul
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has partnered with the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) in Borno State to combat tax evasion and address cases of staff bullying during revenue enforcement operations.
The partnership was announced on Thursday during a sensitisation meeting with staff of the Nigeria Revenue Service in Maiduguri.
Speaking after the meeting, the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner overseeing Borno and Yobe states, Linus Gubbi, said the collaboration would strengthen intelligence sharing and improve enforcement against tax defaulters.
“This partnership means a lot to us. It will enhance our job because, as a government agency, you cannot work alone. You collaborate with organisations that can provide intelligence and information,” he said.
According to Gubbi, the commission would support efforts to investigate individuals and organisations accused of evading taxes and ensure that due revenues are recovered for government.
“Since part of our enforcement mandate is to invite defaulting individuals and organisations who do not want to pay tax, when we get reports from them, we will investigate further and make the defaulters pay those taxes,” he stated.
The anti-corruption commissioner explained that the sensitisation programme formed part of ICPC’s mandate to promote transparency, accountability, and integrity in public revenue generation.
“It is part of our mandate in the ICPC to enlighten the public on issues of corrupt practices. We are here to sensitise them on the need for transparency, accountability, and integrity in revenue generation,” he added.
Gubbi noted that the initiative also aligns with the Federal Government’s ongoing tax reform efforts aimed at improving compliance and blocking revenue leakages.
On his part, the Tax Controller of the Nigeria Revenue Service in Maiduguri, Adamu Muhammad, described the sensitisation as timely and impactful.
“The training is timely and very important. It is a wake-up call. Many relevant issues were highlighted, and I am sure all my staff members are happy with the visit,” Muhammad said.
He also welcomed the commission’s assurance of support for revenue officers facing harassment or bullying during tax enforcement operations.
Edited by Chinedu Echianu
