Anambra State has seen a remarkable increase in its monthly Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), rising from ₦2.2 billion in 2023 to ₦5.2 billion in 2024. This achievement was announced by Amara Oyeka, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on IGR, during the presentation and validation of research findings from 21 major markets across the state. The research, part of the Tax for Service (T4S) Project, was carried out by the Tax Justice and Governance Platform in collaboration with the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and funded by Oxfam Nigeria.
Despite the persistent challenges the state faces—such as widespread tax evasion by wealthy individuals and significant revenue leakages—the substantial increase in IGR underscores ongoing efforts to enhance the state’s revenue generation. Oyeka acknowledged the progress made but pointed out systemic loopholes that have allowed some revenue collectors to enrich themselves at the expense of the government. He called for collective action to tackle these inefficiencies.
“Most of the guys spoiling the 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. This is a work in progress, and we shall get there,” Oyeka remarked.
Key stakeholders, including Dr. Greg Ezeilo, Chairman of the Anambra State Board of Internal Revenue Service, also emphasized the critical role markets play in boosting the state’s revenue. Dr. Ezeilo, represented by Herbert Ofomata, described the state’s markets as “our oil wells” and highlighted the untapped potential within these markets. However, he noted that the government has not been able to fully harness the financial worth of the markets due to ongoing revenue collection challenges.
Eze-Igwe Chiedozie, National Chairman of the Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA), Aguata Zone, expressed satisfaction with the progress, emphasizing that visible infrastructure funded by taxes has helped to increase compliance among traders.
The research findings, presented by consultant Dr. David Agu, revealed a concerning issue: over 50% of the revenue collected from markets is diverted into private pockets. This diversion has significantly impacted the state’s overall revenue generation in the past.
Ugochi Ehiahuruike, Executive Director of the Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC), highlighted the T4S Project’s goals of bridging the gap between taxpayers and service providers, fostering accountability, and building public trust.
In addition, Ikechukwu Offorkansi, Vice President of the Anambra State Association of Town Unions, called on the government to address the issue of multiple taxation, which he believes would enhance trust and compliance among taxpayers.
The ongoing collaboration between the government, civil society, and traders aims to ensure that Anambra’s IGR continues to grow, paving the way for improved public services and infrastructure development across the state.