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From Christian Agadibe
Enugu State has recorded substantial growth in its internally generated revenue, with the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (ESIRS) announcing that the state raised over N406 billion in 2025.
The ESIRS Chairman, Mr Emmanuel Ekene Nnamani, disclosed the figures while speaking to journalists at the agency’s headquarters in Enugu.
The performance, Nnamani said, evidently showed that the state is gradually becoming financially stronger and less reliant on federal allocations.
“When the governor set a revenue target of over N509 billion for 2025, many doubted it. Today, I am pleased to report that Enugu State generated about N406.7 billion, achieving roughly 80 per cent of our target,” he said.
He described the growth as a significant improvement on the previous year, reflecting what he called fiscal resilience and sustainability.
“This demonstrates that Enugu State can thrive without depending on federal allocations. We are building a system where the state can fund its own development,” he added.
Mr Nnamani explained that only a small portion of the revenue came from taxes paid by residents. Tax revenue amounted to about N51.5 billion, just over 12 per cent of total collections.
“The greater part of this revenue came from non-tax sources, including land, property, recovered abandoned assets, and partnerships with investors,” he said.
He also revealed that the state has started earning from natural resources, including mining, following the acquisition of proper licences.
Despite strong non-tax earnings, the ESIRS chairman noted that tax revenue is steadily growing and remains the most reliable source of income over time.
“Tax revenue rose from N30 billion in 2024 to N51.5 billion in 2025 – about 70 per cent growth. This shows that as the economy expands, tax revenue will grow too,” he stated.
Mr Nnamani attributed the improved revenue performance to ongoing development projects across the state, particularly in education and infrastructure.
“People ask where the money is going. Since 2024, we have been constructing Smart Green Schools across Enugu. Almost every ward has a school, and in some communities, more than one school was built to ensure no area is left out,” he said.
Looking ahead, he said the state has set an ambitious revenue target for 2026, largely driven by the development of the New Enugu City.
“The New Enugu City will bring businesses, homes, industries, and jobs. When that happens, tax revenue will naturally rise,” he said.
Mr Nnamani expressed confidence that Enugu State is on the right path and called on residents and the media to continue supporting the government’s development initiatives.
“Enugu has shown that a state can grow its revenue and use it for real development. This is just the beginning,” he said.
