Anambra's IGR grows by over 100% in one year

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By Madu Obi

The Anambra State monthly Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, has increased from N2.2 billion to N5.2 billion in the last one year, a growth of over 100%.

The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on IGR, Amara Oyeka, gave the figure during the presentation and validation of the research activity carried out in 21 major markets across the three senatorial zones of the state.

The exercise is being executed under the Tax for Service Project implemented by Tax Justice and Governance Platform (TJ&GP), Anambra State, in collaboration with the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, (CISLAC) with funding support from Oxfam Nigeria.

According to Oyeka, the result was achieved against all odds, as many rich citizens of the state do not like to pay taxes, while a larger chunk of what is collected is diverted into private pockets.

It had been estimated that over 50% of revenue generated from markets in Anambra State is diverted into private pockets, hence the poor IGR profile of the state

“We have a situation where revenue collectors are richer than government. Most of the people spoiling government’s reputation are not working for us.

We are doing more work than they do in other states, but the leakages are too many. Some of the tax collectors are richer than government. We are working to address all issues”, Oyeka said.

Noting that the state is on course on the issue of growing the state's IGR, he called for sustained partnership of all stakeholders towards ensuring that the state gets what is due to it on monthly basis.

“This is still work in progress and we shall get there. Let us collaborate and we want you to help us sanitize the system as we cannot do it alone. As citizens, we should understand that the higher the revenue, the higher your power to demand public goods”, Oyeka stated.

The Executive Director, Social and Integral Development Centre, (SIDEC) host of Tax Justice and Governance Platform in the state, Ugochi Ehiahuruike, explained that the project was designed to bridge the gap between taxpayers and service providers, fostering transparency, accountability, and improved public trust in governance structures.

“Today, we gather to present and validate the research findings on the implementation of the Tax for Service Project in Anambra State, which will guide strategic interventions to improve tax compliance and public service outcomes. Your participation and input are invaluable in ensuring the project’s success and alignment with local realities”, she said.

The Chairman, Anambra State Board of Internal Revenue Service, (AiRS), Dr Greg Ezeilo, represented by the Director of Taxes and Head of Department, Assessment, Herbert Ofomata, lamented that the current revenue profile of the state is not a true reflection of its realities.

“The market financial worth in Anambra is very high, but government is not getting the revenue. Our strength is in the markets. Very soon, from Onitsha to Awka will be market on both sides. Markets are our oil well in the state. We need to pay attention to markets to fund public services", he stated.