BENCCIMA Seeks Collaboration with FIRS to Bridge Knowledge Gap on Taxation
Worried by the challenges that taxation imposes on businesses, the President of the Benin Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (BENCCIMA), Engr. Omoregie Godwin, on Wednesday, 17th September 2025, led a high-powered delegation of Council members on an official visit to the Benin Office of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
On hand to receive the delegation were the Acting Tax Controller and members of her management team. Following a warm exchange of pleasantries and formal introductions, the BENCCIMA President briefed the host on the purpose of the visit.
Engr. Godwin explained that the Chamber, through the visit, sought to establish a collaborative relationship with the tax office to effectively bridge the knowledge gap on tax matters affecting businesses within the region. He noted that while large organizations can afford to engage tax consultants to handle their compliance issues, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) often lack such resources and therefore face greater challenges.
In addition to the knowledge gap, the BENCCIMA delegation highlighted several issues affecting business operators, including multiple taxation, levies, and total turnover tax. The President also sought clarification on the trending issue of the mandatory Personal Tax Identification Number (TIN), which was rumored to replace the National Identification Number (NIN) starting January 2026.
He concluded his remarks by officially inviting the Acting Tax Controller to attend the next BENCCIMA Council meeting to educate members about emerging tax laws.
FIRS Responds: Clarifies Tax Concerns and Commits to Partnership
Responding, the Acting Tax Controller warmly welcomed the BENCCIMA delegation and commended the Chamber for its proactive initiative. She emphasized that the FIRS has a mandate to educate and sensitize businesses about taxation, adding that the office organizes monthly sensitization sessions every second Thursday to keep business operators informed.
Addressing the issue of double taxation and total turnover tax, she assured that the new tax laws were designed to eliminate double taxation. She clarified that taxes are charged on net income, not total turnover, and that the only turnover-based tax currently paid by businesses is the Value Added Tax (VAT)—which she described as a luxury tax.
On the issue of individuals registering for TINs before January 2026, the Acting Tax Controller explained that FIRS is not responsible for issuing personal TINs. She attributed the misconception to a misinterpretation of the term “taxable person”, which legally refers to firms, enterprises, and partnerships, not individuals. She noted that the State Governments are responsible for the registration of individuals who earn income.
Regarding the Chamber’s request for a dedicated information desk for BENCCIMA members at the FIRS office, the Controller assured that the office remains open and accessible to all enquirers and tax information seekers.
She also addressed inquiries about tax holidays for businesses in the agricultural and agro-allied sectors, confirming that operators in these industries continue to enjoy special incentives and tax holidays as part of the government’s policy on food security and self-sufficiency. She emphasized that consistent and transparent tax filing is a prerequisite to enjoying such benefits.
Concluding her remarks, the Acting Tax Controller expressed her appreciation to BENCCIMA for initiating the visit. She advised business operators to strive for basic tax knowledge relevant to their operations and to ensure compliance with applicable laws. She reaffirmed her office’s readiness to provide tax education at short notice and accepted the Chamber’s invitation to the next Council meeting for further engagement.
Delegation Members
The following members were part of the BENCCIMA delegation:
- Engr. Omoregie Godwin, MNSE, AICMC – President and Leader of Delegation
- Sir Chief Dr. B.J. Braie – Vice President
- Mrs. Amen Akenbor – Corporate Vice President (LAPO Microfinance Bank)
- Hon. Isoken Ekpen Odemwingie – Public Relations Officer
- Mr. Andrew Oghiame – Elected Council Member
- Mr. Raphael [Surname Not Provided] – Member
- Imalingmhe John Yesufu, AICMC, PECA – Director General
After a fruitful deliberation, the meeting was brought to a close, and both parties retired for a group photograph to commemorate the occasion.
