By Sunday Apah
Delta State has significantly boosted its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), rising from approximately ₦84 billion in 2023 to over ₦200 billion.
This remarkable increase, representing more than 138 percent growth, reflects Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s intensified efforts to broaden the state’s economic base beyond its traditional reliance on oil.
This achievement was highlighted during a visit by a delegation from the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to Asaba on Monday.
The purpose of their visit was to evaluate Delta’s initiatives in economic diversification and revenue generation.
Mr. Sunny Ekedayen, the Commissioner for Economic Planning, stated that Delta State is strategically reorienting its economy through targeted investments in agriculture, industrialization, innovation, and other non-oil sectors.
He further explained that this impressive revenue growth was accomplished without raising personal income tax rates. Instead, it was attributed to an expanded tax base, enhanced administrative processes, improved compliance, and more efficient revenue collection methods.
Ekedayen emphasized that agriculture is a primary driver of the diversification agenda, propelled by Public-Private Partnerships. Under these arrangements, the government provides land, while investors contribute capital and technology for large-scale cultivation of crops such as cassava and oil palm.
Chief Fidelis Tilije, the Commissioner for Finance, added that the government is also fostering industrialization through strategic infrastructure investments. He revealed that the Kwale Industrial Park is soon to be fully operational, aiming to attract new investors.
Additionally, efforts are underway to revitalize maritime activities through improved cooperation with the Federal Government concerning the Warri and Forcados ports.
Mr. Victor Eboigbe, who led the RMAFC delegation, underscored the unsustainability of relying solely on oil revenue and commended Delta’s dedication to economic diversification.
He noted that this assessment aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” and lauded Governor Oborevwori for implementing policies designed to build a robust and sustainable economy.
Hon. Aruviere Martins Egwarhevwa, the Federal Commissioner representing Delta State in RMAFC, clarified that the visit was part of the Commission’s constitutional mandate to assess states’ diversification efforts and strengthen collaboration on fiscal development.
The delegation expressed satisfaction with Delta’s economic transformation initiatives and encouraged the state to maintain its current positive trajectory.
