The Delta State Government has said that its focus for the 2026 fiscal year is to grow revenue without compromising the welfare of its citizens.
The Commissioner for Finance, Sir Fidelis Tilije, made this known, after a stakeholders’ meeting on the proposed amendment of the Delta State Internal Revenue Service Consolidated Law 2020. The meeting involved all revenue-generating agencies and departments in the state, ahead of the implementation of the new tax regime in 2026.
Tilije explained that the state is introducing measures to strengthen internally generated revenue (IGR) in ways that are economically sustainable and considerate of the people. He said the engagement was aimed at mobilising funds needed to service the ₦1.7 trillion 2026 budget recently signed into law by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
According to him, the government is exploring productive sectors to determine viable sources of funding for the coming year’s budget. He noted that Delta’s IGR has not yet reached its full potential, adding that the administration’s long-term goal is to generate enough revenue to meet key obligations such as paying workers’ salaries—even without reliance on federal allocations.
Tilije also said the government is factoring in the implications of the new tax law scheduled to take effect on January 2, 2026, including the ₦800,000 tax-free income threshold. He acknowledged that the policy would naturally reduce overall IGR but stressed that strategies are already in place to ensure the shortfall does not negatively affect the state’s finances.
He appealed to residents to continue to sustain the prevailing peace across the state, noting that peace remains the foundation for meaningful and lasting development. Tilije observed that resistance to taxation often arises from poor government performance, but expressed confidence that citizens would be more willing to pay taxes given the visible achievements of the Oborevwori administration.
Speaking separately, the Commissioner for Works, Rural Roads and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, said the government is harmonising taxes, sealing revenue leakages and introducing modern collection systems to eliminate multiple taxation and prevent harassment of citizens.
Aniagwu explained that some past tax enforcement practices had become counterproductive and embarrassing, involving crude methods that burdened residents. He said these have now been streamlined to ensure a more civilised and transparent process.
He added that the government is adopting technology-driven tax collection methods that will enable it to raise revenue responsibly while allowing businesses to remain viable. According to him, the twin objectives are to protect citizens from undue harassment and encourage voluntary compliance rooted in civic responsibility.
Aniagwu urged residents to embrace patriotism by willingly paying legitimate taxes, noting that such cooperation would enable the government to deliver good governance and sustained development for the benefit of all.
