N406.77b IGR claim sparks fresh accountability debate in Enugu
A concerned citizen of Enugu State, Chief Basil Ani, has raised questions over the Enugu State Government’s claim that it generated N406.77 billion in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in 2025,
A concerned citizen of Enugu State, Chief Basil Ani, has raised questions over the Enugu State Government’s claim that it generated N406.77 billion in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in 2025, describing the figure as impressive on paper but questionable when measured against prevailing realities in the state.
In a statement, Ani said while the revenue figure, if accurate, would represent a major fiscal milestone for the state, there were visible governance and welfare gaps that raised concerns about the authenticity or application of the funds.
“If this revenue is real, Enugu should not look the way it does today. A state that truly earns over N400 billion in a single year should not have retired civil servants waiting endlessly for pensions and gratuities. Pension payments are not a favour; they are a first-line obligation of government,” Ani said.
He noted that many retirees are still owed pensions and gratuities, with some allegedly waiting for years to receive their entitlements, stressing that social protection must reflect revenue performance.
Ani also pointed to the issue of unpaid contractors across the state, which he said has contributed to delays and abandonment of critical public infrastructure projects, including the Nike-Opi road dualisation project.
“Governments with genuine cash flow do not routinely default on contractors while advertising record revenue.
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“When contractors are unpaid, projects slow down or stop completely, and the people suffer the consequences through poor infrastructure and lost economic opportunities,” he stated.
He further expressed concern about the rising cost of living in the state, noting that transport fares, housing rents, food prices, and basic service costs have continued to increase despite revenue growth claims.
The concerned citizen also criticised what he described as aggressive revenue collection methods, alleging that multiple levies, fees, and enforcement actions have placed additional burdens on already struggling residents and small businesses.
“Residents are being squeezed through aggressive levies and enforcement actions that treat citizens as revenue tools rather than beneficiaries of development.
“At the same time, people do not see corresponding improvements in public services or quality of life,” Ani added.
Ani questioned the structure of the reported revenue, particularly claims that a significant portion came from non-tax sources, describing the category as unusual and calling for a detailed public breakdown backed by independent audit verification.
He argued that without transparent disclosure of revenue sources and expenditure details, public confidence in the figures would remain weak.
According to him, the situation leaves two possible interpretations: either the revenue figure is overstated for public relations purposes, or the funds were generated but not effectively utilised forthe public good.
Ani called on the state government to prioritise clearing pension arrears, settling contractor debts, completing key infrastructure projects, and easing revenue pressure on low-income residents.
He maintained that until measurable improvements are seen in these areas, many residents would continue to view the revenue figure as unsubstantiated.
He urged the government to publish independently verified financial reports to reinforce public trust.
