The Cross River State Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has recorded an impressive 209% increase in tax revenue over the past 18 months, a milestone attributed to enhanced efficiency, strategic reforms, and automation—rather than an increased tax burden.
This achievement was highlighted during the commissioning of the newly remodeled 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 credited the significant revenue growth to a series of strategic reforms, automation of revenue collection, and the dedication of the IRS team, led by Chairman Edwin Okon.
“The remodeling 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,”. Odere said.
In his remarks, IRS Chairman Edwin Okon reflected on the agency’s transformation under his leadership.
He recalled his initial reluctance to visit the Calabar 1 Tax Office due to its dilapidated condition following a recent rainstorm but expressed pride in its complete turnaround.
“When I eventually visited, I was determined to change things, and today, we have reversed its reputation. This office is now a desirable place to work,” the IRS Chairman remarked.
Highlighting the agency’s financial achievements, Okon revealed that Cross River’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) surged from ₦22 billion to ₦46 billion.
He further noted that 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,” Okon stated.
In his remarks, the Chief Whip of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Hilary Bisong, commended the IRS for boosting the state’s revenue profile, pledging the Assembly’s support for continued financial growth.
Similarly, in their goodwill messages, the Accountant General of the State, Dr. Glory Effiong; the Head of Service, Dr. Innocent Eteng; and the Economic Adviser to the Governor, Prof. Peter Oti, all praised the IRS’s remarkable progress.
They lauded the agency’s strong working relationship with sister agencies and pledged their continued support for its efforts to drive economic development in Cross River State.
The remodeled 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 enhance revenue generation and improve the taxpayer experience.
Kingsley Agim and Achiane Adams
