Tax Reform Act 2026: CRIRS Suspends Tax Assessments, Ends Cash Payments

Following the implementation of the Tax Reform Act, which officially took effect on January 1, 2026, the Cross River State Internal Revenue Service (CRIRS) has announced a temporary halt to the issuance of new tax assessments by revenue consultants across the state.

The decision was communicated through an official statement released on January 6, 2026, directing all consultants involved in state revenue collection to immediately suspend assessment activities related to state taxes and levies. According to the Service, this suspension will remain in place until further notice.

CRIRS explained that the move is part of a broader effort to ensure full compliance with the Nigerian Tax Administration Act, 2025, especially as it relates to the appointment, conduct, and operational scope of tax agents and professionals engaged by the state government.

The agency noted that pausing the assessment process will allow adequate review of existing procedures, ensuring that all tax collection mechanisms align strictly with the newly introduced legal and administrative framework. This review process is also expected to significantly reduce revenue leakages and eliminate irregular practices within the system.

Speaking on the development, the Executive Chairman of CRIRS, Prince Edwin Okon, described the directive as a vital component of the state’s ongoing tax reform agenda. He emphasized that the reforms are designed to strengthen transparency, accountability, and overall efficiency in revenue administration across Cross River State.

Prince Okon further explained that the reform measures will promote the harmonisation of taxes and levies, address the long-standing issue of multiple taxation, and enhance record-keeping through improved data management systems.

As part of the new operational structure, CRIRS formally announced the discontinuation of cash-based tax payments. Taxpayers are now required to make all payments exclusively through approved digital platforms or by depositing funds directly into officially designated government revenue accounts.

The Service also issued a strong warning to residents, advising them not to make tax payments into personal or corporate bank accounts belonging to revenue consultants, tax agents, or officials, stressing that such practices are no longer recognised under the new framework.

While acknowledging concerns from members of the public, CRIRS reassured taxpayers that the reforms are not intended to be punitive. Instead, the Service stated that the measures aim to simplify tax processes, promote fairness, and create a more transparent system that benefits both the government and citizens.

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FOREST PROTECTION EFFORTS INTENSIFIED IN CROSS RIVER

In a separate but related development, authorities in Cross River State have intensified efforts to safeguard the Cross River National Park amid growing threats posed by illegal mining activities and other forms of forest encroachment.

Concerns have risen over the increasing pressure on protected forest areas, prompting renewed enforcement actions. As part of this response, park rangers and forest guards are currently undergoing specialised training designed to strengthen their capacity to prevent illegal activities within the park and its surrounding buffer zones.

The refresher training programme was conducted at the Erokut Base Camp, located within the Akamkpa axis of the national park. The initiative focuses on enhancing the operational readiness of frontline officers who regularly patrol areas identified as high-risk zones.

Conservation groups have raised alarms over escalating cases of unlawful mining, unauthorized farming, and wildlife-related crimes, all of which pose serious threats to the forest ecosystem.

The training was organised by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) with financial support from the European Union (EU). It concentrated on improving ranger safety, enforcement strategies, operational effectiveness, and community engagement approaches.

Addressing participants at the closing ceremony, the Cross River Landscape Director of WCS, Anthony Atah, explained that the programme was specifically designed to tackle emerging challenges confronting the park. He noted that illegal extraction activities continue to degrade forest resources and undermine long-term conservation efforts in the state