Cross River’s IGR hits ₦46bn
The Cross River State Internal Revenue Service has recorded a 209% increase in tax revenue over the past 18 months, raising the state’s Internally Generated Revenue from ₦22 billion to ₦46 billion.
This was disclosed on Monday during the commissioning of the newly remodelled Calabar 1 IRS Tax Office, where Governor Bassey Edet Otu was represented by the Commissioner for Finance, Michael Odere.
Speaking at the event, Odere reaffirmed the state’s commitment to financial efficiency, technological innovation, and improved taxpayer services.
He attributed the significant revenue growth to a series of strategic reforms, automation of revenue collection, and the dedication of the Cross River State IRS team, led by Chairman Edwin Okon.
He said, “The remodelling of this one-stop tax office is a testament to our commitment to making tax payment seamless for individuals and businesses in Cross River State while also providing our workers with a befitting environment to deliver greater results.
“Our goal is to enhance internal revenue generation, which is key to the state’s financial health and attractiveness to investors.”
IRS Chairman recalled his initial reluctance to visit the Calabar 1 Tax Office due to its dilapidated state but expressed pride in its transformation.
He said, “Cross River’s Internally Generated Revenue surged from ₦22 billion to ₦46 billion. The IRS’s 2024 revenue target was initially set at ₦36 billion but was later raised to ₦45 billion due to their exceptional performance. We are committed to surpassing this target in the coming year.”
The Chief Whip of the State House of Assembly, Hilary Bisong, commended the revenue body for improving the revenue profile of the state.
The lawmaker pledged the Assembly’s support to the continuous growth of the IRS as well as the overall good of the finance ecosystem and the state at large.
Other officials, including the Accountant General, Dr Glory Effiong, Head of Service, Dr Innocent Eteng, and Economic Adviser to the Governor, Prof. Peter Oti, praised the IRS’s achievements and pledged further collaboration.
They also commended the IRS’s cordial working relationship with sister agencies and pledged their continued support for the service towards the development of Cross River State.
The remodelled Calabar 1 IRS Tax Office is expected to serve as a benchmark for other locations across the state, as the IRS board aims to replicate this transformation in other regions to further strengthen revenue generation and enhance the taxpayer experience.
