The Delta State Internal Revenue Service (DSIRS) has issued a strong warning that it will begin prosecuting individuals and groups involved in illegal roadblocks and unlawful revenue collection across highways in the state.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Executive Chairman of DSIRS, Hon. Solomon Ighrakpata, said the ban on roadside tax collection is still active and must be strictly obeyed.
He expressed concern that some people are still blocking roads and highways, pretending to act on behalf of the government while extorting money from motorists.
According to him, the agency has not appointed or approved any consultants, agents, or private collectors for road taxes for the 2026 fiscal year.
He warned that any group or individual operating under such false claims, including unions or associations working with certain security officers, is acting illegally and will face prosecution.
Ighrakpata said these illegal operators set up roadblocks, mount toll points, and harass road users under the excuse of collecting government revenue, which is against the law.
He explained that existing tax laws in Nigeria do not allow any person or organisation to stop vehicles or obstruct movement on public roads for the purpose of collecting money.
“For the avoidance of doubt, DSIRS has not engaged any road or haulage consultants for 2026. Anyone presenting themselves as such is a fraudster and will be arrested and prosecuted,” he said.
The revenue boss added that all revenue-related arrangements have been suspended pending the introduction of a new Delta State Revenue Law expected in 2026.
He therefore advised the public, companies, and local government officials to avoid dealing with anyone claiming to represent DSIRS without proper authorisation.
Ighrakpata stressed that all legitimate payments must be made directly into government-approved bank accounts through official electronic channels.
He also called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to arrest anyone found operating illegal checkpoints or extorting money from road users.
According to him, such offenders should be investigated and taken to court to serve as a warning to others.
The DSIRS chairman urged residents to report any illegal tax collectors or suspicious activities to security agencies or the DSIRS office in Warri.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to transparency, lawful revenue collection, and protecting the state’s business environment from illegal interference.