The Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Finance and Appropriation has charged the State Board of Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to surpass the proposed ₦250 billion revenue target in the 2026 fiscal year budget.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Marilyn Okowa‑ Daramola, gave the charge when the Chairman of the Board, Hon. Solomon Ighrakpata, led officials of the Revenue Service to the State Assembly Complex in Asaba to defend the 2026 budget proposal before members of the Committee.
Hon. Okowa‑Daramola said the Committee’s assessment was based on verifiable records presented by the Board, noting that the State Board of Internal Revenue Service had demonstrated remarkable commitment to its mandate.
Flanked by other committee members, the Lawmaker expressed confidence that the Board will deliver even greater results in 2026 in alignment with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda, which is geared toward advancing sustainable development and improving the quality of life and infrastructure across the state.
While applauding the Board’s past efforts, Hon. Okowa‑Daramola, who represents Ika North‑East Constituency, charged the revenue service to maintain its values and ensure that its programmes are in line with the MORE Agenda.
She emphasized the need for officials to uphold transparency, accountability and procedural accuracy, and singled out the Executive Chairman of the Board, Hon. Solomon Ighrakpata, for his humility, respect and hard work.
The Executive Chairman of the IRS Board, Hon. Solomon Ighrakpata, represented by the Executive Director of Operations, Prof. Frank Nwugo, affirmed that the Board had made significant strides in the year under review and was poised to consolidate its achievements.
He revealed plans to engage more consultants in revenue generation in the state, saying that new, stress‑free strategies will be introduced in tax collection and remittance in the 2026 fiscal year.
“We need to engage MDAs, trade unions and others who will be collecting revenue on tax and remit it to the Board; 10 percent will be given as an incentive to the officers assigned for the job,” he said.
The Executive Chairman explained that each year the Board evaluates every consultant to ascertain performance, and any consultant that does not meet expectations will have its engagement terminated.
He stressed that the Board will continue to work in accordance with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda.