Chris Akhabue, Edo
The Edo State Government has introduced a new legal framework to centralise the collection and management of public revenue in the state, following the signing of the Edo State Revenue Consolidation Account (Establishment and Operation) Law, 2026, by Governor Monday Okpebholo.
The state government said the legislation is designed to strengthen transparency and accountability in the management of public funds, block revenue leakages and improve fiscal discipline across Ministries, Departments, Agencies and Parastatals (MDAs).
According to a release made available to the press by the Secretary to the Edo State government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq. the revenue consolidated account will provide4 a uniform framework for the collection, remittance, custody and disbursement of government revenue.
Under the new law, a Revenue Consolidation Account will be established for Edo State, providing a uniform framework for the collection, remittance, custody and disbursement of government revenue.
The legislation also centralises the custody and management of public funds accruing to government MDAs and prohibits the unauthorised retention, diversion or expenditure of public revenue.
A major provision of the law empowers the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) to coordinate and supervise revenue collection across the state. The agency is also authorised to engage revenue agents and consultants, subject to the provisions of the law, while deploying technology-driven systems to improve revenue administration.
Consequently, all MDAs have been given 14 days from the date of the government’s notice to disclose all revenue accounts held in their names or under their control to the Ministry of Finance.
They are also required to transfer existing balances in such accounts to the approved Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) Account and close the separate revenue accounts.
The affected institutions are further required to submit hard and electronic copies of their revenue statements and supporting records covering the period from January 1, 2025, to the commencement of the law to the Ministry of Finance, the State Auditor-General and the EIRS for a comprehensive revenue audit.
The government has also directed MDAs to stop independently undertaking revenue enforcement activities without the prior written approval of the Executive Chairman of the EIRS.
Similarly, the establishment or use of mobile courts for revenue-related offences will require prior approval from the EIRS chairman in collaboration with the Edo State Judiciary.
The law further prohibits MDAs from independently appointing or retaining revenue agents, consultants or other entities for the collection or management of government revenue without collaboration with the EIRS and prior written approval of the governor.
Existing consultants engaged by MDAs are required to be regularised with the EIRS within 60 days.
The government said the new framework would also repeal existing laws, regulations, circulars and administrative directives that permit government institutions to collect, retain and spend revenue at source or operate separate revenue accounts.
The administration warned that public officials who violate the provisions of the law could face immediate suspension pending investigation.
It added that individuals found to have engaged in unauthorised collection, diversion, withholding or illegal receipt of government revenue, alongside heads of affected MDAs and officials who authorised or facilitated such activities, could be jointly liable and subjected to investigation and appropriate sanctions.
According to the state government, the implementation of the law is also consistent with the ongoing tax reforms and is intended to create a more efficient and accountable revenue system.
It reiterated that the EIRS remains solely responsible for driving and supervising revenue collection in the state.
The government said it would continue to deploy technology to strengthen revenue mobilisation, promote sustainable development and protect residents from exploitation.
