ESCN Charges Officers To Promote Tax Compliance, Integrity After Asaba Training
By AMANDA EZE
ESCN Expands Capacity Through Regional Training
THE Elite Sheriff Corps of Nigeria (ESCN) has reinforced its operational strength in the South-South geopolitical zone with the graduation of 108 personnel after an intensive three-day training programme in Asaba, Delta State.
The exercise brought together 68 newly recruited officers and 40 serving personnel from Delta, Edo and Bayelsa states as part of the Corps’ ongoing efforts to build a disciplined workforce capable of supporting government initiatives on tax awareness, revenue mobilisation and public service.
The programme concluded with a passing-out parade that celebrated the successful completion of the training while reinforcing the Corps’ commitment to professionalism and ethical conduct.
Integrity Identified as the Foundation of Service
Speaking during the graduation ceremony, Commander-General of the Elite Sheriff Corps of Nigeria, Dr. Dauda Damparimi Danladi, urged the officers to distinguish themselves through integrity, discipline and accountability.
He stressed that members of the Corps must avoid every form of misconduct capable of undermining public confidence in the organisation.
According to him, professionalism should remain the guiding principle in every assignment, adding that officers must discharge their responsibilities fairly, responsibly and transparently.
He reminded the graduates that their actions would determine how the public perceives the Corps and its contribution to national development.
Corps Seeks Greater Role in Revenue Administration
Dr. Danladi explained that the Elite Sheriff Corps was established as a voluntary organisation registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission to support government efforts aimed at improving tax education and voluntary compliance, especially within the informal economy.
He noted that despite improvements in tax collection from salaried workers through the PAYE system, significant revenue losses still occur because many individuals and businesses remain outside the tax net.
He said the Corps intends to complement existing government institutions by promoting greater public awareness of tax obligations and encouraging wider compliance with Nigeria’s tax laws.
The Commander-General further disclosed that legislation seeking statutory recognition for the Corps is currently before the National Assembly, expressing optimism that its eventual passage would strengthen the organisation’s legal framework and operational effectiveness.
He added that the Corps is positioning itself to support the implementation of the Federal Government’s ongoing fiscal and tax reform policies.
Experts Highlight Link Between Taxation & Development
Deputy Commander-General for Revenue and Enforcement, DCG Benjamin Otonye Benwari, described the newly trained personnel as an important addition to the organisation’s expanding workforce.
He encouraged them to remain committed to the Corps’ vision of building a credible institution that contributes positively to Nigeria’s economic development through lawful and responsible engagement.
The training programme also featured an academic presentation by Professor Richard Kojo Edeme of Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, who delivered a lecture on the relationship between taxation, national security and sustainable development.
The presentation examined how improved revenue mobilisation enables governments to finance critical infrastructure, strengthen public institutions and improve service delivery while supporting long-term economic growth.
Ceremony Marks Beginning of New Responsibilities
The graduation ceremony featured an inspection of the guard of honour by the Commander-General, ceremonial drills and the decoration of officers promoted to higher ranks.
Senior officials of the Corps, including Deputy Commander-General (Training) DCG Obadiaha Dong, Deputy Commander-General (Logistics) DCG Bitrus O. Glory, Assistant Commander-General (Training) ACG Dahra Hargaalga, Delta State Commander Emmanuel Ebeh, Bayelsa State Commander Oginike Ambrose, Edo State Commander Mrs. Joy Jesuorobo and other commanders attended the event.
As the newly trained officers prepare to assume their responsibilities, the Corps says its focus remains on supporting government efforts to improve tax compliance, strengthen revenue generation and promote a culture of integrity, accountability and national service.
