Illegal tax collection will face full legal consequences – Faransa

The Taraba State Internal Revenue Board (TIRSB) warned residents that paying taxes into private accounts is illegal and that all payments must go through approved government channels and authorized revenue officers.

The warning was made on Thursday during a taxpayer sensitization and awareness campaign on the state’s new tax reform initiatives in Jalingo, the capital of Taraba State.

The event, which covered large parts of the city, drew traders’ associations, market women, bankers and other stakeholders. According to the board, the purpose was to educate the public on the new reforms and promote voluntary compliance.

During the campaign, the Chairman of the Board, Brigadier General (Rtd.) Jeremiah Aliyu Faransa, said the initiative was intended to engage taxpayers and strengthen public confidence in the state’s revenue collection system.

Faransa praised the friendly relationship between revenue officials and taxpayers, emphasizing that paying taxes is both a civic duty and a legal obligation for all eligible citizens.

He added that the board felt it necessary to intensify public awareness so residents understand that no one is authorized to collect taxes illegally or divert government revenue into personal accounts.

The chairman warned that anyone found engaging in tax‑related fraud or revenue diversion would face the full weight of the law.

He also urged residents to embrace the new tax reform laws, assuring them that the board, in partnership with the state government, would ensure that revenues are used judiciously for the state’s development and the welfare of its citizens.

Some market women and members of traders’ associations who spoke with The Guardian expressed satisfaction with the awareness campaign and pledged to educate their members on the importance of complying with the new tax reforms.

They described the sensitization exercise as timely and beneficial, noting that it would help curb illegal tax collection and improve compliance among taxpayers across the state.