The Delta State Internal Revenue Service (DSIRS) has reiterated that the ban on roadblocks and the collection of revenue on roads and highways across the state remains in force, warning that individuals and groups engaged in such illegal activities will face prosecution.
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Executive Chairman of the DSIR, Solomon Ighrakpata, who stated this in a press statement issued on Wednesday, expressed concern over the continued blockage of roads and highways by unauthorized persons who exploit members of the public under the guise of collecting revenue on behalf of the state government.
He alleged that unauthorized individuals, unions, associations and even agents of local government councils, acting in collusion with unscrupulous policemen, have continued to mount illegal roadblocks, erect toll barriers and harass motorists under the guise of collecting revenue, emblems or levies on public highways across the state.
The DSIRS chairman stressed that the collection of taxes, levies or revenues on public roads is prohibited under the provisions of the Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA) 2025, the Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Act 2025, and directives issued by the Joint Revenue Board.
Ighrakpata emphasized that no Ministry, Department or Agency (MDA), local government council, association or group has the authority to stop vehicles or impede the movement of persons and goods for revenue collection purposes anywhere in Delta State.
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He also clarified that the DSIRS has not appointed, approved or renewed the engagement of any road tax consultants, agents or private revenue collectors for the 2026 fiscal year.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the DSIRS has not appointed any haulage or road tax consultants 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,” he stated.
He explained that all issues relating to tax administration, consultancy engagements and operational structures have been frozen, pending the enactment and official release of the proposed Delta State Revenue Law 2026.
The chairman therefore advised members of the public, corporate organizations and local government authorities not to transact any revenue-related business with unauthorized individuals claiming to represent the service.
He further reiterated that all legitimate taxes and levies payable to the Delta State government must be remitted directly into designated government bank accounts through approved electronic payment channels.
The DSIRS boss called on the police and other security agencies to arrest and investigate anyone found operating illegal checkpoints, demanding road levies or falsely claiming consultancy status for revenue collection.
“Security agencies are respectfully requested to arrest, detain and thoroughly investigate any individual or group found blocking highways, demanding road levies or claiming unauthorized consultancy status to extort taxpayers,” he said.
He added that the service remains committed to prosecuting offenders and urged the judiciary to ensure that suspects are promptly arraigned before courts of competent jurisdiction to serve as a deterrent to others.
Ighrakpata appealed to residents and road users to report any illegal checkpoint, extortion attempt or suspicious tax consultancy claim to the nearest law enforcement agency or directly to the DSIRS headquarters in Warri.
He reaffirmed the service’s commitment to transparency, compliance with national fiscal regulations and the protection of Delta State’s business environment from unlawful disruptions.
