Executive Chairman, Delta State Board of Internal Revenue Service, IRS, Hon (Chief) Solomon Ighrakpata has commended the State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori for a comprehensive budget estimate of ₦936.8 billion for the 2025 fiscal year.
Reacting to the presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the State Assembly, Hon Ighrapata said the proposed budget demonstrates the Governor’s genuine commitment to advancing urban-rural integration, enhancing human capital development, and promoting economic growth.
The IRS Boss stated that the proposed estimates, christened “Budget of Fiscal Consolidation”, would further promote the MORE agenda of the state government, saying that the Governor’s good works had helped in internal revenue growth in the state.
Hon Ighrapata noted that the projected Internally Generated Revenue, again emphasizes the need for continued reforms in revenue collection and plugging of leakages, noting that the state government will continue to make judicious use of collected revenues.
While acknowledging that the proposed budget will stimulate economic growth, particularly in the non-oil sector, the IRS Executive Chairman expressed optimism of increased employment opportunities for the youth as jobs would be created.
On Infrastructural development, Ighrapata appreciated the huge allocation for critical road infrastructure, saying that impact of good infrastructure on the state’s economic development and citizens’ quality of life, can not be overemphasized.
The IRS Boss who was at the Hallowed Chamber of the State Assembly during the presentation of the budget estimates, commended the Governor’s commitment to fiscal discipline and for ensuring that the state spends only what it can earn within a period.
Hon Ighrapata expressed optimism for Improved Revenue Collection, stating that new strategies will be adopted to enhance IGR, including more stakeholders engagement, professionalizing revenue collection processes and leveraging on technology.
He stressed the need for all to embrace voluntary compliance, even as he encouraged taxpayers to voluntarily comply with tax regulations, emphasizing the importance to the state’s development.
“We should understand tax obligations. Taxpayers should be aware of their obligations under the Delta State Internal Revenue Law 2020, which harmonizes levies, fees, charges, and rates.
“The Board is committed to providing support to ease the burden of payment”, Ighrakpata assured.
The former Lawmaker who represented Uvwie Constituency and then Deputy Chief Whip of the House, urged Deltans to continue to support the government of Rt Hon Oborevwori in its efforts to consolidate the gains of the past administrations in the state.