Benue Govt Raises IGR to N2.2bn Monthly

The Acting Executive Chairman of the Benue Internal Revenue Service (BIRS), Sunday Odagba, has disclosed that the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) now averages N2.2 billion per month

Odagba, speaking to journalists in his office on Wednesday, attributed the increase to the strategic revenue collection measures implemented by Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration.

He said that by December 2024, the state had generated a total of N16 billion, marking a remarkable rise from the previous monthly average of N1.8 billion before he assumed office.

“Since September 2024, we have maintained an average monthly revenue of N2.2 billion, and we are poised for even greater growth,” he said.

The chairman added that in order to sustain the progress, BIRS intensified efforts to curb illegal fee collection just as there were ongoing collaboration with security agencies to identify and dismantle unauthorised revenue collection points.

“We have made multiple arrests, including 10 in January alone. However, since such offences are bailable, culprits often relocate to evade enforcement,” he noted.

Odagba commenting on the proposed federal tax reform bill before the National Assembly, described it as a positive step towards economic relief for the masses.

The reforms aim to ease the burden on businesses by focusing on personal and company income taxes, while user charges and service fees will be reinforced at the state level,” he explained.

He further citied the Benue State Environmental and Sanitation Agency (BENSESA) as an example, noting that revenues from refuse collection are classified as a user charge rather than a tax.

“As people pay for services like waste evacuation, it ensures sustainability without imposing additional tax burdens,” Odagba concluded.