By Simeon OSAJIE
In a decisive move toward absolute digitization and transparency, the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) has announced a complete overhaul of its revenue collection system within the haulage sector.
This was stated in a press statement by Courage Eboigbe,
Head, Corporate Communications & Taxpayers Enlightenment Service of EIRS made available to journalists in Benin, the state capital.
Effective May 1st, 2026, the EIRS has placed an absolute ban on the sales and usage of physical Revenue Scratch Card (RSC), replacing it with a cutting-edge, fully automated system, the statement added.
According to a signed public notice by the Executive Chairman of EIRS, Mr. John Odior, this strategic transition is part of the State Government’s broader commitment to eliminating revenue leakages, streamlining compliance, and protecting stakeholders from systemic inefficiencies.
With the new policy taking full effect, the EIRS has issued a stern warning to the general public, haulage companies, transport operators within the haulage space and drivers to discontinue the purchase or presentation of legacy paper scratch cards. The revenue service emphasized that any paper card presented will no longer be recognized as valid proof of payment, warning that anyone caught selling, counterfeiting, or issuing the phased-out cards will be blacklisted, arrested and prosecuted.
Speaking on the operational upgrade, Mr. John Odior highlighted that the automation of the haulage sector is specifically designed to guarantee a seamless, secure transit experience for haulage operators across Edo State.
“This modern, digital approach effectively eliminates extortion, illegal checkpoints, and the harassment of haulage drivers on Edo State roads,” Odior stated. “By utilizing swift digital verification, we are protecting both state revenues and the peace of mind of haulage transport operators”.
To ensure a smooth transition, the EIRS outlined a simple, three-step workflow for all logistics operators:
• Step 1: Onboarding & Registration – Drivers approach an authorized vendor to register their details. Upon successful onboarding, a physical QR code will be issued, which must be permanently affixed to the right-hand side of the vehicle’s windshield.
• Step 2: Digital Wallet Funding -The vendor funds the driver’s secure digital wallet utilizing their unique Tax ID, phone number, or vehicle number to seamlessly process the haulage fee payment.
• Step 3: Instant Verification – On the road, Revenue Collectors and Enforcement Officers will utilize handheld digital scanners to scan the windshield QR code, verifying payment validity within seconds without delaying the vehicle.
The EIRS revenue boss further urged all haulage operators, commercial drivers, and logistics companies to adapt to this digital transition immediately. The agency warned that enforcement teams have been deployed across key corridors, and any vehicle found operating without a valid, scannable QR code affixed to its windshield will be deemed non-compliant and will face severe legal and financial sanctions.