The Delta State Internal Revenue Service (DSIRS) has reaffirmed its ban on roadblocks and revenue collection on public roads across the state. In a statement issued yesterday, Executive Chairman Hon. Solomon Ighrakpata said unauthorized individuals, unions, associations, and agents of local government councils continue to illegally block highways and extort motorists under the pretence of collecting state revenue. He accused some of these actors of colluding with unscrupulous police officers to operate toll barriers and harass road users.
Ighrakpata stated that such actions violate the Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA), 2025, and the Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Act. He emphasized that no ministry, agency, local government, or group has legal authority to stop vehicles or collect levies on public roads in Delta State. The DSIRS boss clarified that the service has not appointed, approved, or renewed any road tax consultants, agents, or private revenue collectors for the 2026 fiscal year.
"Any individual or corporate body parading itself as a consultant or revenue agent of the service is doing so fraudulently and should be arrested and prosecuted," Ighrakpata said. He added that all matters concerning tax consultancy and revenue operations are currently frozen pending the enactment of the Delta State Revenue Law 2026. The public, corporate organizations, and local governments were advised not to engage with anyone claiming to represent DSIRS.
All legitimate taxes and levies must be paid directly into government accounts via approved electronic channels, the chairman stressed. He called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to arrest and investigate anyone operating illegal checkpoints or falsely claiming revenue consultancy status. Ighrakpata urged swift arraignment of suspects to serve as a deterrent. Residents were asked to report illegal activities to law enforcement or DSIRS headquarters in Warri.
Solomon Ighrakpata says no one has been appointed to collect revenue on roads, yet illegal checkpoints persist under the DSIRS name. This suggests either a failure in enforcement or a loophole being exploited by impostors with insider knowledge. Motorists in Delta State remain vulnerable to extortion despite the agency's warnings and legal backing. The continued operation of fake collectors undermines public trust in the state's revenue system.
💡 NaijaBuzz Take is AI-assisted editorial opinion, not established fact. Full disclaimer →
