L-R Management staff of Biase Plantation Limited receiving an award for tax compliance from CRIRS
Tax
The Cross River Internal Revenue Service (CRIRS) on Saturday rewarded six organisations for their tax compliance, timely remittance and contributions to the state’s economic growth.
The recognition formed part of activities marking the International Customer Service Week, with the agency expressing appreciation to taxpayers supporting government’s revenue generation.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the organisations that were honoured included, First Bank of Nigeria, Zenith Bank PLC, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Others were Excellence Community Education, Welfare Scheme (ECEWS), a Civil Society Organisation (CSI), Biase Plantation Limited and Hitech Construction Company Limited.
Dr Edwin Okon, the Executive Chairman of CRIRS, said the initiative was designed to recognise compliant taxpayers and encourage others to fulfil their tax obligations promptly.
Okon said the agency considered factors including tax payment volume, revenue value and improved compliance levels in identifying deserving organisations.
He explained that the selected organisations received letters of appreciation in recognition of their contributions to the state’s development and support for the governor’s ‘People First Agenda.
According to him, the initiative marks the first time the agency has undertaken such an outreach to appreciate taxpayers directly at their business premises.
“Beyond recognition, the agency also supported small-scale businesses through its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives aimed at strengthening their operations and improving their income.”
He noted that thriving businesses were more likely to generate higher incomes, ultimately increasing their capacity to pay taxes and contribute to government revenue.
The chairman expressed confidence that supporting small businesses would deliver wider economic benefits, extending beyond business owners to their families and households.
He said the initiative reflected the agency’s understanding that effective revenue generation depended not only on tax collection but also on building positive relationships with taxpayers.
Okon urged organisations to file their tax returns promptly, improve compliance and embrace better customer service in their dealings with customers and institutional partners.
He said that the IRS should be treated as a key partner, adding that stronger collaboration between businesses and the agency would support sustainable economic growth.
Responding, Mr Abdul Ichalid, the Acting General Manager, Biase plantation Limited thanked the government of Cross River for the recognition, noting that they would continue to support the state while pushing for an expansion of business in the state.
Customer Service Week which runs from Oct. 5 to Oct. 9 is an international celebration recognising the importance of customer service and the people who serve, support and interact with customers daily.
The theme for 2026 commemoration was “the extra mile.” (NAN)
