By Awhawha Awhawha
In a remarkable demonstration of fiscal growth and strategic governance, Delta State has recorded an unprecedented ₦104.08 billion in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) between January and June 2025. This figure, announced by the Executive Chairman of the Delta State Internal Revenue Service (DSIRS), Hon. Solomon Ighrakpata, represents a 133.41% increase over the ₦78.02 billion generated in the same period last year.
The revenue performance, which accounts for 77.62% of the state’s ₦134.09 billion annual IGR target, signals a high probability of surpassing projections before year-end.
Hon. Ighrakpata attributed this fiscal milestone to the visionary leadership of the Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and the strategic utilization of public funds across the state’s three senatorial districts. He noted that the visible impact of government projects has strengthened public confidence and improved voluntary tax compliance among citizens.
“This achievement is not just a reflection of numbers but a testament to the transparency, accountability, and developmental agenda of the current administration”, Ighrakpata said. “It highlights what is possible when leadership inspires trust and institutions function efficiently.
Also commended for his role in the revenue feat is Hon. Kelly Emuoghenerue Oghenekevwe , the Executive Director of Finance and Administration at DSIRS. Oghenekevwe known for his disciplined financial oversight and people-centered leadership, played a crucial part in ensuring the smooth coordination of internal systems and efficient fund management within the service.
In his remarks, Hon. Oghenekevwe states, “This landmark achievement is the result of dedication, teamwork, and a shared vision. Under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Oborevwori and Chairman Ighrakpata, we have created a culture of integrity, accountability, and service to the people.
The Chairman further credited the synergy among DSIRS board members, management, staff, and technical partners—particularly ICMA Professional Services and Zopaz Advisory Services—for their pivotal roles in enhancing IGR performance.
Other contributing factors include enhanced stakeholder engagement, intensified taxpayer education, whistle-blower incentives, tax compliance enforcement, and the operational efficiency of the Tax Audit Review Committee (TARC).
Ighrakpata extended gratitude to the various stakeholders, including federal and state MDAs, security agencies, financial institutions, the organized private sector, trade unions, traditional rulers, and local governments, for their collaborative support in tax administration.
With Delta State’s IGR success already translating into people-centered projects under the M.O.R.E. Agenda of Governor Oborevwori, this achievement underscores a model of public finance management that can be emulated across the country.