Economic Diversification Pays Off As Delta’s IGR Climbs Above ₦200 Billion
Delta Strengthens Non-Oil Economy
DELTA State has surpassed the ₦200 billion mark in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), recording a growth of more than 138 per cent from the approximately ₦84 billion generated in 2023, in what officials describe as evidence of the success of the state’s economic diversification programme.
The development came to the fore during a visit by officials of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), who were in Asaba to evaluate the state’s revenue generation strategies and diversification initiatives.
Improved Tax Administration Boosts Revenue
Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sunny Ekedayen, said the increase in revenue was driven by structural reforms rather than higher tax rates.
He explained that the administration expanded the tax net, strengthened compliance, modernised tax administration and improved collection efficiency while maintaining existing personal income tax levels.
Ekedayen said these reforms form part of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s broader strategy to build a resilient economy that relies less on oil revenues and more on sustainable, productive sectors.
Infrastructure and Partnerships Fuel Growth
The commissioner highlighted agriculture as a major beneficiary of the state’s diversification efforts, noting that Public-Private Partnership arrangements are attracting private investment into commercial production of key crops such as cassava and oil palm.
Commissioner for Finance, Chief Fidelis Tilije, added that infrastructure remains central to the administration’s industrialisation agenda. He disclosed that work is progressing to fully energise the Kwale Industrial Park, positioning it as an attractive destination for manufacturing and investment.
Tilije further stated that the state is partnering with the Federal Government to revitalise operations at the Warri and Forcados ports, with the objective of expanding maritime commerce and stimulating wider economic activities.
Commission Endorses State’s Fiscal Strategy
Leader of the RMAFC delegation, Mr. Victor Eboigbe, praised Delta State’s commitment to reducing dependence on oil revenue, stressing that economic diversification remains essential for sustainable national development.
He noted that the state’s initiatives complement the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and commended Governor Oborevwori’s administration for implementing reforms that strengthen fiscal sustainability.
The Federal Commissioner representing Delta State in the Commission, Hon. Aruviere Martins Egwarhevwa, said the assessment visit was conducted in line with RMAFC’s constitutional responsibility to evaluate economic diversification efforts across states and promote stronger collaboration on fiscal development.
At the end of the visit, the delegation commended the progress made by Delta State and urged the government to maintain the momentum in pursuing policies that encourage investment, increase internally generated revenue and support inclusive economic growth.
