Delta grows IGR to over ₦200bn as RMAFC applauds economic diversification efforts

The Delta State Government has announced a significant increase in its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), which rose from about ₦84 billion in 2023 to more than ₦200 billion, attributing the growth to ongoing reforms and economic diversification initiatives under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration.

The development was disclosed during a recent assessment visit by officials of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), who were in the state to evaluate its revenue generation strategies and diversification programmes.

According to the state government, the increase represents a growth of more than 138 per cent within two years, reflecting the impact of policies aimed at reducing dependence on oil revenue and expanding economic activities across various sectors.

The government noted that the achievement was highlighted when the RMAFC delegation visited Asaba, the state capital, to assess efforts being made to strengthen the state’s revenue base and promote sustainable economic growth.

It stated that the commission commended Delta State for its deliberate investments in key non-oil sectors, including agriculture, industrialisation, innovation and enterprise development.

According to the government, the delegation described the state’s diversification strategy as a strong example of how subnational governments can build resilient economies capable of sustaining growth beyond fluctuations in oil revenue.

The administration said the progress aligns with Governor Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda—an acronym for Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms and Enhanced Peace and Security – which places emphasis on infrastructure development, economic expansion, human capital development and good governance.

Since taking office in May 2023, the governor has consistently promoted economic diversification as a critical tool for strengthening the state’s fiscal position and creating alternative sources of revenue.

Like many states across the federation, Delta has intensified efforts to boost internally generated revenue through investments in productive sectors of the economy amid growing concerns over dependence on allocations from the Federation Account.

The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, a constitutional body charged with monitoring revenue accruals and advising governments on revenue generation and fiscal sustainability, said initiatives such as those being implemented in Delta would contribute to long-term economic stability and development.