Cross River IRS Records 209% Growth in 18 Months, Unveils Revamped Tax Office

 The Cross River State Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced a remarkable 209% increase in tax revenue over the past 18 months, a feat attributed to strategic reforms, automation, and enhanced efficiency rather than an increased tax burden. 

This milestone was celebrated during the commissioning of the newly remodeled Calabar 1 IRS Tax Office, a project symbolizing the state’s commitment to modernizing revenue collection and improving taxpayer services.

Governor Bassey Edet Otu, represented by the Commissioner for Finance, Michael Odere, presided over the event. Odere emphasized the state’s dedication to financial efficiency, technological innovation, and improved taxpayer experiences. 

He credited the revenue surge to a series of strategic reforms and the automation of revenue collection processes, alongside the dedication of the IRS team led by Chairman Edwin Okon.

“The remodeling of this one-stop tax office reflects our commitment to making tax payment seamless for individuals and businesses in Cross River State while providing our workers with a conducive environment to deliver greater results,” Odere stated. “Our goal is to enhance internal revenue generation, which is critical to the state’s financial health and its attractiveness to investors.”

IRS Chairman Edwin Okon shared the journey of the Calabar 1 Tax Office, recalling its dilapidated state following a rainstorm and his initial reluctance to visit the facility.

 Determined to drive change, Okon spearheaded its transformation into a modern, efficient workspace. “Today, we have reversed its reputation. This office is now a desirable place to work,” he said.

Okon also highlighted the agency’s financial achievements, revealing that Cross River’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) soared from ₦22 billion to ₦46 billion. 

The IRS’s 2024 revenue target was initially set at ₦36 billion but was later raised to ₦45 billion due to the agency’s exceptional performance. “We are committed to surpassing this target in the coming year,” Okon affirmed.

The Chief Whip of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Hilary Bisong, commended the IRS for its role in boosting the state’s revenue profile. He pledged the Assembly’s continued support for initiatives aimed at driving financial growth.

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, praised the IRS’s progress and its collaborative efforts with sister agencies. They expressed their commitment to supporting the IRS in its mission to drive economic development in Cross River State.

The newly remodeled Calabar 1 IRS Tax Office is expected to serve as a benchmark for other tax offices across the state. The IRS board plans to replicate this transformation in other regions, further enhancing revenue generation and improving the taxpayer experience.