The Executive Chairman of the Anambra Internal Revenue Service (AiRS), Dr. Greg Ezeilo, has sounded a clear warning to the public and staff of the Service over tax fraud.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that
Ezeilo re-emphasized, warning ndi Anambra not pay cash to any AiRS employee under any circumstance.
This directive comes in response to growing concerns and verified reports that some overzealous field officers and revenue enforcers have been intimidating business owners and individuals, demanding cash payments for taxes, levies, or business premises registration.
According to Dr. Ezeilo, the AiRS operates a strict zero-cash policy, and all tax transactions must be done digitally through approved government channels to ensure transparency, traceability, and accountability.
The chairman called on the people of Anambra to partner with the government in sanitizing the revenue process by refusing to engage in off-record cash payments, no matter the pressure or threat from staff.
Business owners and the public are urged to report any case of harassment or extortion by AiRS personnel.
“Let me be clear no one should ever give cash to any AiRS staff. Anyone caught collecting cash for business premises or any form of levy will be immediately detained and suspended,” Dr. Ezeilo said.
He emphasized that the Service is committed to upholding ethical standards and restoring public confidence in the state’s tax administration system.
The statement further noted that:
All AiRS staff are strictly prohibited from demanding or accepting cash under any guise.
AiRS has designated multiple digital platforms and verified bank payment channels for all tax-related transactions.
“If you’re intimidated into paying cash, you’re not only encouraging fraud, but also putting yourself at risk,” he warned.
This announcement comes at a time when the Anambra State Government is intensifying efforts to plug leakages in its internally generated revenue system and ensure that all public funds go directly into the state treasury.
Dr. Ezeilo concluded by reaffirming the AiRS’s resolve to discipline any erring officer, and assured that the internal monitoring and enforcement unit of the Service has been activated to track down offenders.
To report misconduct, taxpayers are advised to call the AiRS hotline or email the complaint unit using details available on the official AiRS website and offices across the state.
