The National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT) has been commended by the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) for its outstanding tax compliance and consistent fulfilment of statutory obligations.
The NRS gave the commendation during an official visit to the Institute by a delegation from the Abuja office, led by the Director of the Government Business South Directorate, Dr Mustapha Akaje.
According to the delegation, NIHORT ranked first among institutions in Oyo State in tax compliance.
The NRS team praised NIHORT, its management and the Executive Director, Professor Muhammed Lawal Attanda, for demonstrating exemplary commitment to lawful conduct, accountability and responsible public administration.
In his remarks, Dr Akaje outlined the four key phases of tax compliance: the registration of taxpayers; the timely remittance of taxes within the stipulated 21-day period; compliance with audit requirements; and the settlement of outstanding tax liabilities.
He emphasised that adherence to these obligations was essential to promoting institutional accountability, financial discipline and responsible public administration.
Speaking during the engagement, Professor Attanda said the recognition reflects the institute’s sustained adherence to its statutory responsibilities and its commitment to promoting transparency and good governance in the public sector.
He expressed appreciation to the NRS delegation for the recognition and described the commendation as a welcome gesture that would further motivate the institute to improve its performance. He noted that an effective reward system encourages organisations to do more and strengthens the culture of excellence in public service.
The NIHORT Executive Director also emphasised that compliance has wider institutional benefits beyond the fulfilment of financial obligations. He linked the institute’s culture of accountability and responsibility to its broader achievements in horticultural research and national development.
Professor Attanda stated that NIHORT had released approximately 29 improved varieties of its mandate crops over the years, including 22 developed and introduced during the past three years under the current administration. The crops comprise plantain, banana, tomato, garden egg, onion, amaranthus, corchorus, celosia and okra.
These achievements, he explained, demonstrate the importance of maintaining strong institutional systems that support research, innovation and the effective delivery of improved technologies to farmers and other value-chain actors.
Professor Attanda commended the institute’s workforce for its role in sustaining the organisation’s compliance record. He gave recognition to the Finance and Accounts Department, led by Mrs V. A. Adedipe (FCA), for its diligence, professionalism and contribution to the Institute’s financial accountability.
He stressed that institutional achievements are the product of collective effort and that the commitment of staff members remains essential to maintaining NIHORT’s reputation as a responsible and high-performing public research organisation.