Stakeholders Seek Revenue Collection Digitization, Blockage of Leakages in Anambra

By Praise Chinecherem

Social and Integral Development Centre, (SIDEC), host of Tax Justice and Governance Platform has been applauded for its unwavering commitment towards increased Internally Generated Revenue in Anambra State.

The group received the applause by stakeholders in Awka, Anambra state during a public policy dialogue on Tax for Service Campaign organized by SIDEC in partnership with the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, (CISLAC) under the Tax for Service Project, funded by Oxfam Nigeria.

They attributed the massive infrastructural development in the state to the group’s uncommon commitment which they noted had increased tax payment by eligible citizens.

They however called for complete digitization of revenue collection system, sustained sensitization for traders on reforms and programmes as well as blockage of all existing revenue leakages to sustain the recorded gains.

Chairman, Anambra Internal Revenue Service, (AiRS), Dr Greg Ezeilo noted that SIDEC, through its various interventions, including aggressive advocacy, sensitization and awareness creation had boosted government efforts.

Ezeilo, represented by Executive Director, Assessment, Ben Okafor recalled that the state, in 2024 ranked about 13 in terms of internal revenue, expressing optimism of top 5 by year end with support of SIDEC and other partners.

He said, “We are fortunate to have a governor who is determined to manage our resources without borrowing. Every part of Anambra has experienced explosion in terms of infrastructure development and all are tied to taxes.

“From 1.5 billion monthly, we kept growing it and today, we can proudly say that we do above 4 billion on monthly basis.

“Last year, Anambra ranked about 13 in terms of internal revenue. But this year, with SIDEC on our side, and other partners, we believe that by end of this year, Anambra will be among the top five in Nigeria”.

Corroborating AiRS boss, Commissioner for Commerce, Mr Christian Udechukwu represented by Mazi Chuka Okeke and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Market, Chief Evaristus Uba, represented by Director Market, Mr Francis Iloduba, in their separate remarks noted that the Tax for Service project had largely contributed to the improved IGR profile of the state.

State Chairman, Joint National Association of Persons with Disability, JONAPWD, Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke described as worth celebrating enhanced accountability and transparency in government spending and improvement in infrastructural development, while Onitsha Main Market chairman, Chief Innocent Ezeoha noted that traders orientation about tax payment changed after government commenced serious work across the state.

Prof Uche Nwogwugwu of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka on his part, attributed increased tax compliance to creation of trust and friendship between government and citizens by the Tax for Service project, while National Vice President, Anambra State Association of Town Union, ASATU, Ikechukwu Offorkansi, thanked SIDEC for addressing tax apathy by bridging the gap between the government and the governed.

Earlier, Executive Director, SIDEC, Ugochi Ehiahuruike disclosed that the dialogue was targeted at fostering collaborative environment for stakeholders to share experiences, exchange ideas, and explore ways to sustain gains made so far and scale up the tax for services intervention across the state.

Describing the Tax for Service campaign as a game changer in the state, Ehiahuruike linked the project’s successes to support and cooperation from government actors, traders and non-state actors.

“Internally generated revenue increased from 2.8 billion per month as at March, 2023 to 4.7 billion as at Jan. 2025. Policymakers, civil servants, and community leaders, civil society actors have demonstrated exceptional commitment, dedication, and leadership in driving the intervention.

“We also seek to identify areas for improvement and develop actionable recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders. I am confident that together, we can create a brighter future for Anambra state and its citizens,” she quipped.

Delivering a paper on Tax Reform, Programme Manager, Taxation, Environment & Conservation of Nature, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Ayo Omowu canvassed for the passage of tax reform bills to address critical challenges in revenue generation, equity and governance.

Describing the passage of the bills as vital step for sustainable development and economic stability, Omowu called for improved collaboration between government, private sector and civil Society to promote tax compliance and transparency.

Highlights of the meeting were presentation of partnership awards and a panel session where issues affecting revenue collections in the state were addressed.