BY SUNNY A. DAVID 

The implementation of a tax reform project has yielded impressive results in Anambra State, with November 2024’s internally generated revenue (IGR) reaching N5.2 billion, a significant leap from N2.2 billion earlier in the year.  

Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on IGR, Amara Oyeka, made the announcement during the presentation and validation of the research activity carried out in (21) major markets in the State, across the three senatorial zones, 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 love to pay taxes, while a larger chunk of what is collected is diverted into private pockets. “You then have a situation where revenue collectors are richer than government. Most of the guys 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”.

While noting that the state is on course, the SSA IGR called for sustained partnership of all stakeholders towards ensuring that the state gets what is due to it on monthly basis. “This is a work in progress and we shall get there. Everybody here, take my number and I take your numbers, let us collaborate. Help us to sanitize the system as we can’t do it alone. As citizens we should understand that the higher the revenue, the higher your power to demand public goods”.

Executive Director, Social and Integral Development Centre, (SIDEC) host of Tax Justice and Governance Platform in the state, Ugochi Ehiahuruike, explained that the T4S 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”.

Responding to the findings of the research, some stakeholders including Georgina Akunyiba, Coordinator, Small Scale Women Farmers Organization in Nigeria, (SWOFON), appealed to the state government to intensify the fight against fake revenue agents who are behind double or multiple taxation in the area.

Okay Onyeka, Executive Director, Civil Rights Concern, regretted that despite huge sums many local government areas receive from the federation account, communities under them have not seen commensurate development. “I tell you people from such communities will be cold towards tax payment. So, government must do much more to justify the money they get both from FAC and IGR”.

Secretary, Community Empowerment Network, (COMEN), Vitus Oraegbunam, remarked, “Enforcement of tax payment this year has been poor and it may affect compliance negatively next year. This is worsened by the fact that people are made to pay for one thing up to five times. I urge government to be wary with the people to give contract to collect money for them”.

Vice President, Anambra State Association of Town Unions, (ASATU), Ikechukwu Offorkansi, promised sustained support for government in its revenue drive. “However, we need to protect tax payers from multiple taxation which had characterized the system in the past. Let’s put the past behind us and move on,” he advised.

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, observed 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 market. 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”.

Speaking on behalf of traders, the National Chairman, ASMATA, Aguata Zone, Eze-Igwe Chiedozie, we can see that the money we are paying is working and we are encouraged to continue to pay as and when due. We appreciate SIDEC for organizing this.

The permanent secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, commissioner Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Parks and Markets, who were represented on the occasion, assured residents of judicious utilization of revenue collected across the state.

The findings of the research presented by the consultant, Dr David Agu, revealed that over 50% of revenue gotten from market is diverted into private pockets, hence the poor IGR profile of the State.