How Gov. Otti Plans to Rake in N120 Billion IGR: Inside Abia's Ambitious Tax Crackdown

... Enumeration of residents, businesses, and homes begins as Abia sets bold IGR target for 2025

The Abia State Government has unveiled a bold and potentially controversial move to shore up its finances with a targeted Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of N120 billion in the 2025 fiscal year.

This move was disclosed during a high-level press briefing in Umuahia, led by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, alongside key cabinet members in the Alex Otti-led administration. The announcement included the rollout of a comprehensive statewide tax enumeration and automation initiative designed to capture data on every house, business, and resident across the state.

Described by critics as the most far-reaching tax reform in the state's recent history, the exercise will be executed in partnership with Access Bank and integrated with the Abia State Social Identification Number (ABSSIN)-a digital tracking system to streamline tax collection and enhance social service delivery.

"Our ambition for 2025 is even greater than what we have achieved so far," Prince Kanu declared. "To meet the rising needs of Ndi Abia and fully deliver on our promise of transformation, the government is unlocking every viable avenue of Internally Generated Revenue. We are confident that with the support of our people, we will meet and even surpass our N120 billion target by year-end."

Prince Kanu hailed Governor Otti's economic vision, noting the administration's accomplishments in infrastructure renewal, education, healthcare, and economic empowerment over the last 23 months. He maintained that the new enumeration strategy was designed not to punish residents, but to ensure fairness, accountability, and inclusive development.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Uwaoma Ukandu, emphasized the importance of citizen cooperation, stressing that the projects transforming Abia State require sustained funding. "The visible progress we've made requires sustainable funding. With Ndi Abia's continued cooperation, we are optimistic about achieving our ambitious targets," he stated.

In a more pointed commentary, the Chairman of the Abia State Internal Revenue Service, Professor Udochukwu Ogbonna, warned residents that tax evasion would no longer be overlooked. He underscored that the enumeration drive was not only a revenue booster but also a tool to enhance public safety.

"It's not just about revenue. The government is equally committed to securing lives and property," Ogbonna said. "We've seen great progress, but we need everyone to contribute. Little drops of water make an ocean. We encourage every Abian to show good faith through prompt tax payment."

He added, "Those who have not been paying should understand that it is both a responsibility and a way to strengthen the government's capacity to deliver."

Present at the event were key officials including the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Internally Generated Revenue, Mr. Emmanuel Okpechi.

With a fresh wave of data-driven reforms on the horizon, all eyes will be on how Governor Otti's administration enforces this tax strategy and how the citizens respond as the economic landscape of Abia enters a new phase of accountability, digital transparency, and aggressive revenue generation.