Rivers State Internal Revenue Service (RIRS) has issued a strong directive to all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in Rivers State to immediately halt the direct collection of taxes, levies, and other government revenues.
In a government special announcement signed by the RIRS Executive Chairman, Sir Israel Egbunefu, the agency reiterated that, under the Rivers State Board of Internal Revenue Service Law, RIRS remains the sole authority legally empowered to assess and collect all revenues due to the state government.
The directive also prohibits MDAs from appointing third-party agents to collect revenue on their behalf, warning that such actions are in clear violation of the law.
RIRS further advised members of the public, including business owners and taxpayers, to avoid making payments to unauthorized individuals or groups claiming to represent any government ministry or agency.
According to the statement, all payments due to the state must be made strictly through designated payment platforms and approved channels of the RIRS following proper assessment.
” All MDAs are hereby directed to immediately desist from the direct collection or the appointment of Agents for the collection of any taxes, levies, charges, or fees.
”Members of the public, business owners, and taxpayers are strongly advised not to make payments to any person or persons purporting to be acting for any Ministry, Department, Agency, or individual claiming to collect government revenue on behalf of any Ministry, Department or Agency.
”All payments due to the Rivers State Government must be made only through the designated payment platforms and approved channels of the Rivers State Internal Revenue Service after proper assessment,” the statement said.
The Service emphasized that any MDA or individual found flouting the directive will face appropriate legal sanctions, reinforcing the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in revenue administration.
The announcement, dated March 16, 2026, forms part of ongoing efforts by the Rivers State Government to streamline revenue collection and eliminate illegal practices within the system.
