Cross River IRS records 209% revenue growth

…Commissions remodel Calabar 1 tax Office 

From Ene Asuquo,Calabar 

The Cross River State Internal Revenue Service (IRS) said the Agency has achieved a remarkable 209% increase in tax revenue over the past 18 months.

The agency attributed the milestone to enhanced efficiency and strategic reforms rather than an increased tax burden.

This achievement was made  known during the commissioning of the newly remodeled Calabar 1 IRS Tax Office, where Cross River State Governor, Senator 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.

“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,” he 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,” Okon stated.

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,” the IRS Chairman added.

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 strengthen revenue generation and enhance the taxpayer experience.