The Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) and the Ministry of Education have reached an understanding with the Coalition of Private School Proprietors in Edo State over alleged cases of excessive taxation, reaffirming that individual school owners can still file objections to their tax assessments.
In a statement signed by Courage Eboigbe, Head, Corporate Communications, EIRS, the resolution followed a strategic stakeholders’ meeting held on Tuesday, September 29, 2025, at the EIRS Corporate Head Office in Benin City. The meeting was attended by the Executive Chairman of EIRS, Otunba (Hon.) Oladele Bankole-Balogun, the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, and the coalition’s leadership led by Dr. Lemmy Russel.
Discussions centered on the coalition’s concerns regarding recent tax assessments issued to private school owners across the state. The coalition had earlier appealed for a blanket reduction in tax liabilities, citing financial strain on their institutions.
Responding, the EIRS Chairman clarified that tax assessment is an individual obligation and cannot be reduced collectively. He explained that each taxpayer’s liability is based on their declared income and that the EIRS is committed to fair and transparent review processes.
“The Personal Income Tax Act allows the Revenue Service to raise a best-of-judgement assessment against any taxpayer who fails to file returns or declare income,” Otunba Bankole-Balogun said. “However, we are giving school proprietors another opportunity to object to their assessments, and all complaints will be reviewed dispassionately.”
He urged members of the coalition to approach the Revenue Service individually with relevant documentation for objection, assuring that the administration of Senator Monday Okpebholo remains committed to supporting the state’s educational sector.
During the meeting, Mr. Eghosa Brown, FCA, Director of Income Tax (Direct Assessment/Withholding Taxes) at EIRS, educated participants on taxpayers’ rights under the Personal Income Tax Act, 2011 (as amended), and the Nigerian Constitution. He noted that several school owners have already utilized the objection process since a similar engagement held on April 15, 2025.
Commending the initiative, Dr. Iyamu, the Commissioner for Education, described the dialogue as a welcome step toward improving cooperation between government agencies and private school operators. He encouraged proprietors to make use of legal channels for resolving disputes and reminded them that tax payment remains a civic duty.
“This government is determined to create an enabling environment for education to thrive,” he said. “But we must also fulfill our obligations by paying taxes responsibly.”
Representatives from civil society, Leftist Omobude Agho and Comrade Solomon Idiogbe, attended the session as observers.
The meeting, the third in a series of engagements between the EIRS, the Education Ministry, and school proprietors, concluded with a shared understanding that while blanket tax waivers are not feasible, affected individuals can pursue reconciliations or raise formal objections as provided by law.
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