The Abia State Government has flagged off a comprehensive enumeration and automation campaign aimed at capturing all taxable assets, businesses, and residents in the state, as part of its aggressive strategy to meet the N120 billion Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) target set for 2025.
The initiative, which began with urban areas and will extend into rural communities in subsequent phases, is designed to build a centralized Revenue Data Bank to improve the state’s fiscal planning and enhance service delivery.
Speaking at a press briefing in Umuahia, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, described the exercise as a game-changer in the state’s economic development efforts. He said the move aligns with the administration’s commitment to data-driven governance and equitable taxation.
“This exercise is not just about raising revenue—it’s about fairness, transparency, and accountability. It’s about creating a system where every resident and every business contributes their fair share and benefits from the government’s developmental strides,” Kanu said.
The project is being executed in collaboration with Access Bank and will be integrated into the Abia State Social Identification Number (ABSSIN) system, ensuring that every household and business is captured in the state’s digital registry.
According to Prince Kanu, the administration of Governor Alex Otti is focused on unlocking all potential sources of internally generated revenue without overburdening the populace.
“Our N120 billion revenue target for 2025 is ambitious but achievable. With the cooperation of Ndi Abia, we believe we can even surpass it. The key is transparency, technology, and the political will to drive this initiative to success,” he added.
Also addressing journalists, the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Uwaoma Ukandu, said the state’s development projects across sectors—particularly in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and youth empowerment—require sustainable funding.
“What we are building in Abia is a new foundation for long-term prosperity. But it can only be sustained if the government has the necessary revenue base. That is why this enumeration and automation exercise is critical,” Ukandu said.
He assured that the process would be carried out with minimal disruption and maximum respect for citizens’ rights and privacy.
In his contribution, the Executive Chairman of the Abia State Internal Revenue Service (ABIRS), Prof. Udochukwu Ogbonna, noted that the initiative would not only improve tax compliance but also enhance public safety and state planning.
“Having a comprehensive, digitized record of businesses, properties, and residents helps government in more ways than just tax collection,” he said. “It helps with security, emergency response, urban planning, and social welfare programs. This is a multi-purpose tool for governance.”
Prof. Ogbonna called on all residents to support the initiative by cooperating with the enumerators and ensuring that accurate information is provided. He emphasized that paying taxes is not a punishment but a civic responsibility that empowers the government to deliver on its promises.
The enumeration and automation exercise comes as Governor Otti’s administration marks nearly two years in office, with many observers praising its reforms in public finance and infrastructure. With the rollout of the Revenue Data Bank, the state hopes to reduce revenue leakages, broaden the tax net, and improve service delivery in both urban and rural areas.
As the exercise progresses, officials say the government will continue to engage with stakeholders to ensure transparency, encourage compliance, and provide regular updates to the public.
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