Anambra’s IGR Grows By Over 100% In One Year

Anambra State has recorded a remarkable increase in its monthly Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), rising from ₦2.2 billion to ₦5.2 billion within the past year—a growth of over 100%.

This was disclosed by Amara Oyeka, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on IGR, during the presentation and validation of research conducted across 21 major markets in the state’s three senatorial zones.

The research is part of the Tax for Service Project, implemented by the Tax Justice and Governance Platform (TJ&GP) in collaboration with the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), with support from Oxfam Nigeria.

Despite the growth, Oyeka noted significant obstacles in achieving this result. Many affluent citizens in the state evade taxes, while a substantial portion of collected revenue—estimated at over 50%—is diverted into private hands.

“We have a situation where revenue collectors are richer than the government,” Oyeka revealed. “Most of those tarnishing the government’s image are not even employed by us. While we work harder than other states, the system is plagued by numerous leakages. We are determined to address these issues.”

He emphasized the need for collaboration among stakeholders to sanitize the system and ensure that Anambra receives its rightful revenue share. “The higher the revenue, the greater the citizens’ power to demand public goods,” he added.

Ugochi Ehiahuruike, Executive Director of the Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC), which hosts the Tax Justice and Governance Platform in Anambra, highlighted the project’s goals.

“The Tax for Service Project is designed to bridge the gap between taxpayers and service providers, fostering transparency, accountability, and trust in governance,” she explained. “This research provides a foundation for strategic interventions to improve tax compliance and public service outcomes.”

Dr. Greg Ezeilo, Chairman of the Anambra State Board of Internal Revenue Service (AiRS), represented by the Director of Taxes, Herbert Ofomata, lamented the disparity between the state’s economic potential and its revenue profile.

“The financial worth of markets in Anambra is immense, yet government revenue does not reflect this reality,” he said. “Markets are the oil wells of this state. From Onitsha to Awka, markets dominate, and we must leverage this resource to fund public services effectively.”

The state’s commitment to reforming its revenue collection system, coupled with partnerships with civil society and stakeholders, signals a determined effort to enhance transparency and accountability while maximizing Anambra’s economic potential.

Source:- Vanguardngr