His Royal Majesty Professor James Ayatse, the paramount traditional ruler of the Tiv tribe and Chairman of the Benue State Traditional Council, has expressed concern regarding the increasing number of unauthorized checkpoints throughout the state. He characterizes this situation as a significant contributor to the rising prices of food items in Benue and across the nation.
This statement was made during a courtesy visit to His Royal Majesty's palace by Mr. Joseph Kwaghgba, the newly appointed acting Executive Chairman of the Benue Internal Revenue Service (BIRS), who was accompanied by his management team.
According to the monarch, these unlawful checkpoints are being utilized for illegal tax collection and extortion, which he argues “discourages farmers from transporting their produce from rural areas to urban centers.”
His Royal Majesty articulated that this practice adversely affects agricultural trade and exacerbates the increase in food prices both within the state and beyond. He identified specific locations of concern, noting that credible reports indicate the presence of illegal tax points along the Ihugh-Gboko road and on the Zaki Biam-Ugbema route.
The evidence presented indicates that there are over forty checkpoints between Zaki Biam and Ugbema. His Royal Majesty called upon the relevant security agencies to take immediate action to address this issue. Additionally, he urged the leadership of BIRS to adopt best practices that promote transparency and accountability in tax administration throughout the state.
He emphasized the importance of deploying modern Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools to enhance the integrity of the tax system and improve Benue’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
His Royal Majesty extended his blessings to Mr. Kwaghgba and his team, advising them to remain united and committed to lawful practices, asserting that “taxation must be legal, humane, and transparent.”
Earlier in the meeting, Mr. Kwaghgba expressed gratitude to His Royal Majesty for the audience, characterizing the visit as a “homecoming.” He explained that the purpose of his visit was to formally notify the monarch of his recent appointment by Governor Hyacinth Alia and to seek His Royal Majesty's guidance and blessings as he assumes leadership of the state’s revenue board.
The acting BIRS Chairman requested the monarch’s support in addressing the issue of illegal levy points and urged His Royal Majesty to encourage other traditional leaders in the region to endorse the government's ongoing tax reforms. He cautioned against permitting their constituents to continue establishing roadblocks intended for the extortion of traders, road users, and farmers.
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