The Cross River State Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has recorded an impressive 209% rise in the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) over the last 18 months, a success attributed to improved efficiency and strategic changes rather than raising the tax burden.
This achievement was showcased during the inauguration of the newly renovated Calabar 1 IRS Tax Office, with Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, represented by the Commissioner for Finance, Michael Odere.
During the event, Odere emphasised the state’s dedication to financial effectiveness, technological advancements, and enhanced services for taxpayers.
He credited the substantial revenue increase to a series of strategic reforms, the automation of revenue collection processes, and the hard work of the Cross River State IRS team, headed by Chairman Edwin Okon.
“The renovation of this centralised tax office demonstrates our commitment to making tax payment easier for individuals and businesses in Cross River State while providing a conducive environment for our staff to achieve better outcomes. Our aim is to boost internal revenue generation, which is vital for the financial health of the state and its appeal to investors,” Odere stated.
The Chairman of the Cross River State Internal Revenue Service, Edwin Okon, spoke about the transformation of the agency under his leadership. He recalled his initial hesitation to visit the Calabar 1 Tax Office due to its poor state after a recent storm, but expressed pride in its total rejuvenation.
“When I finally visited, I was resolved to make a change, and today we’ve altered its reputation. This office has become a desirable workplace,” Okon remarked.
Discussing the agency’s financial successes, Okon noted that Cross River’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) jumped from ₦22 billion to ₦46 billion.
He mentioned that the IRS originally set a 2024 revenue target of ₦36 billion, which was later increased to ₦45 billion due to outstanding performance.
“We are determined to exceed this goal in the upcoming year,” the IRS Chairman added.
The Chief Whip of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Hilary Bisong, praised the Revenue Service for enhancing the state’s revenue profile.
He assured the Assembly’s continued support for the IRS’s growth and the overall financial ecosystem of the state.
In their individual goodwill messages, the State Accountant General, Dr Glory Effiong, the Head of Service, Dr Innocent Eteng, and the Governor’s Economic Adviser, Prof. Peter Oti, all praised the IRS for its significant progress, particularly the remarkable increase in the state’s internally generated revenue.
They also acknowledged the IRS’s strong collaboration with other agencies and promised ongoing support for the service in order to help develop Cross River State.
The newly remodelled Calabar 1 IRS Tax Office is set to serve as a model for other offices in the state, as the IRS board plans to replicate this transformation in various regions to further improve revenue generation and enhance the taxpayer experience.
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