How Gov. Mbah grew Enugu IGR from N26.8bn to N406.7bn through non-tax revenue

2026-02-08 - 16:48

By Dennis Agbo ENUGU – The Enugu State Government has detailed how it expanded its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from N26.8 billion in 2022 to N406.7 billion in 2025, largely through non-tax revenue initiatives. Speaking on Sunday, the Chairman of the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (ENSIRS), Mr. Emmanuel Nnamani, said the remarkable growth followed a strategic shift from a tax-dependent revenue model to one driven by the recovery of natural resources and revitalisation of dormant state assets. According to Nnamani, the policy direction, initiated by Governor Peter Mbah upon assumption of office, was aimed at reducing the state’s dependence on Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) receipts and achieving fiscal stability. He explained that key assets contributing to the revenue surge include Enugu’s coal mineral deposits—widely regarded as among the best globally—as well as the revival of moribund state-owned enterprises such as Sunrise Flour Mill and Niger Gas. Nnamani recalled that Enugu’s IGR in 2022 stood at N26.8 billion, comprising N16.2 billion in tax revenue and N10.6 billion in non-tax revenue. In 2023, the figure rose to N37.4 billion. By 2024, IGR jumped significantly to N180.5 billion, driven mainly by N150 billion in non-tax revenue. He disclosed that in 2025, the state recorded a total IGR of N406.77 billion out of the N509.95 billion projected in the Appropriation Law, representing about 80 per cent budget performance and a 125 per cent increase over the 2024 figure. Of the 2025 IGR, tax revenue accounted for N51.5 billion, representing 12.6 per cent, while non-tax revenue stood at N355.2 billion, or 87.4 per cent. Nnamani said the growth was achieved through asset optimisation, plugging revenue leakages, and deploying technology to enhance transparency, accountability, and traceability. He added that tax revenue also recorded significant growth, rising by 72 per cent from N30 billion in 2024 to N51.5 billion in 2025, underscoring improved compliance and confidence in governance. Looking ahead, Nnamani revealed that Enugu State has projected an IGR of N870 billion for 2026, noting that although tax reforms may initially moderate growth, increased compliance and sustained economic activity are expected to outperform projections. He attributed the improved willingness of citizens and businesses to meet their tax obligations to visible infrastructural developments across the state, including Smart Green Schools, primary healthcare centres, transport terminals, hospitals, and other landmark projects. Nnamani expressed appreciation to the people of Enugu State for their continued support, assuring that ENSIRS would remain committed to accountability, transparency, and effective revenue administration.