ESIRS Chairman Emmanuel Ekene Nnamani has outlined Enugu State’s revenue framework and ongoing tax reforms, highlighting digital tax administration, taxpayer rights, and the importance of taxation during an industrial tour by accounting students from the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus.
ENUGU – The Executive Chairman of the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (ESIRS), Emmanuel Ekene Nnamani, has thrown more light on the state’s revenue framework and ongoing tax reforms aimed at promoting transparency, efficiency and sustainable development. He made the clarification in Enugu on Wednesday while hosting accounting and auditing students of the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (UNEC) on an industrial tour of the service’s headquarters.
The visiting delegation comprised members of Prudential Auditors and Consultants (PAC), led by its President, Okorie Favour Kalu; Certified Accountancy Student Auditors and Consultants (CASAC), led by President Eze Chidubem Favour and Audit Director Covenant Animpuya; as well as representatives of Dignity Consult. They were received alongside ESIRS board members, directors, management staff and members of the media.
Addressing the students, Nnamani stressed that taxation remains the most dependable source of public revenue for governments across the world, noting that proceeds from taxes finance critical infrastructure, healthcare, education, environmental protection and other essential public services. He explained that Nigeria’s tax administration is now anchored on four key legislations: the Nigerian Tax Act, the Nigerian Tax Administration Act, the Nigerian Revenue Service Establishment Act and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Act.
The ESIRS Chairman explained that the legal framework clearly defines taxable income, strengthens the operations of tax authorities and promotes uniform standards nationwide through the Joint Tax Board (JTB). “These laws have created a more coordinated tax administration system while also providing taxpayers with avenues for dispute resolution through the Tax Appeal Tribunal and the Tax Ombud,” he said.
Speaking on the state’s revenue structure, Nnamani disclosed that Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) remains the largest contributor to internally generated revenue, accounting for about 80 per cent of collections from major sectors of the economy. He added that the service also administers Direct Assessment for self-employed persons and operators in the informal sector, Withholding Tax, Chargeable Capital Gains Tax, Stamp Duty and the Land Use Charge.
He reminded the students that payment of tax is a constitutional responsibility for every eligible income earner, regardless of occupation. “Anyone earning taxable income has a civic obligation to pay tax. Whether you are a salary earner, a business owner or making income through digital platforms, the law expects compliance,” he stated.
Highlighting ongoing reforms, the ESIRS boss said the agency has embraced technology to simplify tax administration and eliminate multiple taxation. According to him, the introduction of a digital e-ticketing system for commercial tricycle operators has replaced numerous unofficial levies with a single transparent daily payment, improving accountability while reducing the burden on operators.
Nnamani further explained that the Legal Department plays a strategic role in protecting taxpayers’ rights, enforcing tax laws and implementing court judgments where necessary. “Our responsibility is not only to enforce compliance but also to ensure taxpayers are treated fairly through our advocacy and redress mechanisms,” he said.
He urged the students to maximise available opportunities such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund), embrace entrepreneurship and acquire practical skills that would prepare them for future careers. “The future belongs to innovative young people who combine knowledge with integrity and hard work. We also encourage qualified students to apply for our internship programme to gain practical experience in tax administration,” Nnamani added.
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