By Wakirike Herald

The Cross River Internal Revenue Service (CRIRS) has honoured six organisations for tax compliance and timely remittances, drawing attention to the role businesses and other institutions play in financing the state’s development.

The recognition, announced on Saturday as part of activities marking International Customer Service Week, involved letters of appreciation delivered to the selected organisations at their business premises.

The recipients were First Bank of Nigeria, Zenith Bank Plc, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS), Biase Plantation Limited and Hitech Construction Company Limited.

Recognising Compliance

CRIRS Executive Chairman, Dr Edwin Okon, said the exercise was intended to appreciate compliant taxpayers and encourage other organisations to meet their obligations promptly.

He explained that the selection considered tax payment volumes, revenue contributions and improvements in compliance.

According to Okon, the letters acknowledged the organisations’ contributions to the state’s development and support for the governor’s “People First Agenda”. He described the visits as the agency’s first direct outreach to appreciate taxpayers at their business premises.

The recognition placed emphasis on maintaining relationships with taxpayers alongside the agency’s responsibility to collect revenue.

Support for Small Businesses

Okon said CRIRS also supported small-scale businesses through its corporate social responsibility initiatives, aimed at strengthening their operations and improving their income.

He argued that businesses with stronger earnings could become better positioned to meet their tax obligations, while improved livelihoods could benefit business owners and their households.

However, the account provided did not specify the number of businesses supported, the form or value of the assistance, or how beneficiaries were selected. Those details would help establish the reach and practical impact of the intervention.

Okon urged organisations to file their tax returns promptly, improve compliance and strengthen customer service in their dealings with customers and institutional partners.

He also encouraged businesses to regard the revenue service as a partner, saying closer collaboration could support economic growth.

Recipient Welcomes Recognition

Responding on behalf of Biase Plantation Limited, Acting General Manager, Mr Abdul Ichalid, thanked the Cross River State Government for the recognition.

He said the company would continue supporting the state while pursuing opportunities to expand its operations.

The 2026 Customer Service Week ran from 5 to 9 October under the theme “The Extra Mile”, celebrating the people who serve and support customers.

For CRIRS, the outreach offers an opportunity to build trust with taxpayers. Its longer-term value will depend on whether that engagement translates into clearer processes, responsive service and measurable support for businesses.

Wakirike Herald
The Voice of Wakirike People Everywhere