Okoye Commends Hosting of NACOFED Retreat in Imo, Credits Uzodimma’s Policies for Revenue Growth
By Anselem Anokwute
The Executive Chairman of the Imo State Internal Revenue Service (IIRS), Mr. Justice Remigus Okoye, has commended the Imo State Government for hosting the 2026 retreat of the National Council of Finance and Economic Development (NACOFED) in Owerri, describing the development as a major boost to economic growth and investment in the state.
Okoye said the presence of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, senior federal finance officials and other key stakeholders in Owerri provided an important platform for stakeholders to deliberate on issues affecting Nigeria’s economy and chart a sustainable path for economic development.
He described the retreat as a significant opportunity for Imo State and the entire South-East region, noting that the gathering of top government finance officials would strengthen collaboration and promote economic development.
According to him, the hosting of the retreat demonstrated that the administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma had created an enabling environment capable of attracting major national economic programmes to the state.
Okoye particularly attributed the steady improvement in the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to the governor’s policies, strategic planning and commitment to digitalisation.
He said the governor’s efforts in improving security across the state had also contributed significantly to economic activities, allowing revenue officials to extend sensitisation and awareness campaigns to communities in the hinterland.
“Revenue does not grow overnight. There are many factors responsible for sustainable revenue growth, including sound policies, strategic planning and the ability to take advantage of available opportunities.
“Governor Hope Uzodimma has demonstrated sagacity in planning and execution. When he assumed office, the state’s revenue profile was very low, but today, we have moved it to a much more reasonable level. We are still striving to achieve more for the growth and development of Imo State,” Okoye said.
The IIRS boss also commended the agency’s Corporate Affairs Unit for its role in sensitising taxpayers and taking information on revenue matters to the grassroots.
He explained that the digital transformation of the revenue system had significantly reduced the need for manual processes, enabling taxpayers to receive assessments electronically and make payments online from the comfort of their homes.
Okoye said the digital platform had also streamlined processes relating to vehicle documentation and other revenue services, making them faster, easier and more transparent.
He noted that the integration of the IIRS portal with the state’s digital service and e-economy platforms had enhanced efficiency and improved revenue administration.
“Through the digital service system, we now have e-assessment. We no longer rely solely on manual tax assessments. Taxpayers receive their assessments through the system, make payments online and obtain their receipts electronically.
“You do not necessarily need to visit the office to make revenue payments. Even the renewal of vehicle documents can now be processed through the system. This enables taxpayers to access these services conveniently from the comfort of their homes,” he said.
Okoye further explained that the digital system had strengthened monitoring and compliance by automatically tracking taxpayers and sending reminders when payments were due.
He said the system would also flag defaulting accounts and trigger appropriate compliance measures, thereby reducing the need for revenue officials to physically pursue taxpayers.
According to him, the adoption of digital technology has become one of the major factors contributing to the improvement of Imo State’s revenue profile.
He, however, stressed that the state had not reached its desired revenue target, adding that the IIRS would continue to improve its systems, broaden the tax base and deepen taxpayer awareness in order to generate more revenue for sustainable development.
Okoye expressed appreciation to Governor Uzodimma for what he described as his commitment to improving the state’s economy, strengthening security and creating an enabling environment for businesses and residents to thrive.
