AIRS Chairman Seeks End to Tax Evasion, Counsels Ndị Anambra to Embrace Compliance
By Ichie Times
The Executive Chairman of the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service (AIRS), Mr. Ikeazor Okonkwo, has described tax non compliance as a major cultural challenge in the state, saying the agency is implementing measures to encourage voluntary tax payment and improve internally generated revenue.
Mr. Ikeazor, who was recently appointed by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, said tackling low tax compliance is central to the administration’s efforts to address the state’s fiscal constraints and generate more funds for development.
According to him, Anambra’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio remains low due to poor tax compliance among residents.
He disclosed that although the National Population Commission estimates the state’s population at about 7.9 million, with approximately 2.7 million National Identification Number (NIN) registrations, only about 400,000 individuals have tax identification numbers, while just 50,000 have actually paid taxes.
Describing the situation as unacceptable, the AIRS Chairman said the agency is working to change the culture of tax evasion by building public trust and encouraging more residents to fulfill their civic responsibility.
“Many of our people have never paid tax before. We have to change that culture by building trust and encouraging voluntary compliance,” he said.
Mr. Ikeazor noted that the agency’s major focus is on personal income tax, stressing that the current tax structure, where commercial tricycle operators pay higher annual taxes than many business owners, requires correction.
He explained that under the new tax law, it has become easier for business owners and other eligible residents to pay their personal income taxes.
The AIRS Chairman also announced that Governor Soludo has approved a two month extension for the Voluntary Assets Income Declaration and Tax Regularization Scheme (VAIDS), giving tax defaulters until September 5, 2026, to regularize their tax status without penalties.
He urged residents to take advantage of the waiver and comply with the law, emphasizing that increased tax compliance would enable government to invest more in infrastructure and public services.
“Pay your taxes and hold the government accountable. Together, we can change the culture of non compliance and build a stronger Anambra,” Ikeazor said.
