Following the commencement of the Tax Reform Act on January 1, 2026, the Cross River State Internal Revenue Service (CRIRS) has ordered all revenue consultants in the state to suspend the issuance of new tax assessments.
The directive, issued on January 6, is to allow a comprehensive review of tax processes in line with the Nigerian Tax Administration Act, 2025.
CRIRS said the suspension will remain until further notice, stressing that the move is aimed at ensuring full compliance with the new legal framework and curbing revenue leakages.
Executive Chairman of the Service, Prince Edwin Okon, described the action as a key step toward improving transparency, accountability, and efficiency in revenue administration.
Under the reforms, CRIRS announced the end of cash-based tax collections, directing taxpayers to pay only through approved digital platforms or designated government bank accounts.
Citizens were warned against making payments into personal or corporate accounts of tax agents, consultants, or officials, as the reforms seek to harmonise taxes, eliminate multiple taxation, and improve record-keeping.
Meanwhile, authorities have intensified efforts to protect the Cross River National Park amid growing threats from illegal mining and forest encroachment.
Rangers and forest guards are undergoing targeted refresher training to strengthen enforcement and prevent further invasions of protected areas.
The training, held at the Erokut Base Camp in the Akamkpa axis of the park, was organised by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) with support from the European Union (EU).
According to the Cross River Landscape Director of WCS, Anthony Atah, the programme is designed to equip frontline officers to better respond to emerging threats such as illegal mining, farming, and wildlife crimes that continue to endanger the forest ecosystem.