In a significant move to implement new federal tax laws, the Cross River State Internal Revenue Service (CRIRS) has ordered an immediate halt to the issuance of new tax assessments across the state.
Tax Assessment Process Suspended
This directive, announced in a statement dated January 6, 2026, instructs all revenue consultants operating in Cross River to suspend the process for collecting any state levies. The action follows the commencement of the national Tax Reform Act on January 1, 2026.
The suspension is a key part of the Service's strategy to ensure strict compliance with the Nigerian Tax Administration Act of 2025. It specifically targets the rules governing the engagement and operations of tax agents and professionals. According to CRIRS, the halt will remain in effect until further notice.
Goals of the Tax Reform
Prince Edwin Okon, the Executive Chairman of CRIRS, stated that this measure is critical for broader reforms. The goals are to strengthen transparency, accountability, and efficiency in how the state collects revenue.
He explained that the reforms are designed to harmonise taxes, eliminate multiple taxation, and improve the state's record-keeping systems. A major shift under the new regime is the end of cash-based tax collections.
Taxpayers are now directed to make payments exclusively through approved digital platforms or by depositing funds directly into government-designated bank accounts. The Service has explicitly warned citizens against making payments into personal or corporate accounts belonging to revenue agents or officials.
While addressing public concerns, CRIRS reassured that these reforms are not meant to be punitive. Instead, they aim to simplify processes, promote fairness, and reduce revenue leakages across the state.
Rangers Train to Protect National Park from Illegal Miners
In a separate development, authorities are ramping up efforts to protect the Cross River National Park from escalating threats of illegal mining and forest encroachment.
Park rangers and forest guards have begun undergoing targeted refresher training to strengthen enforcement and prevent further invasions of protected areas. The training was held at the Erokut Base Camp in the Akamkpa axis of the park.
Organised to improve the capacity of frontline officers, the programme focuses on the park's buffer zones. Conservation groups report these areas are under increasing pressure from illegal mining, farming, and wildlife crimes.
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) facilitated the training with funding support from the European Union (EU). The curriculum emphasised enhancing operational effectiveness, safety, and community engagement for the rangers.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Anthony Atah, the Cross River Landscape Director for WCS, said the training was a direct response to emerging threats, including illegal extraction activities that cause severe degradation to the forest ecosystems.
