Anambra Emerges as Nigeria’s Leader in Informal Sector Tax Technology, Innovation

By Karen James

Anambra State has firmly established itself as the undisputed leader in informal sector tax technology and innovation in Nigeria. This accolade was announced at the recently concluded Strategic Retreat of the Joint Tax Board (JTB), held at the Warm Springs Resort in Ikogosi, Ekiti State.

The recognition followed a compelling technical paper presented by Dr. Greg Ezeilo, Executive Chairman of the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service (AiRS), titled “Revenue Assurance in the Informal Sector.” Dr. Ezeilo’s presentation highlighted foundational principles crucial for effective revenue assurance within Nigeria’s informal economy.

Key among these principles, according to Dr. Ezeilo, is the elimination of middlemen in tax administration to enhance transparency and accountability.

Where middlemen are unavoidable, he advocated for their digitization to ensure rigorous oversight.

He emphasized that the personal integrity and ethical conduct of field revenue officers remain non-negotiable pillars for prudent tax collection.

Dr. Ezeilo also stressed the importance of leveraging high-quality Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) relationships particularly between Executive Chairmen and their governing authorities—as vital assets for successful tax administration.

Central to Anambra’s success is its innovative use of technology. Dr. Ezeilo showcased two pioneering digital solutions transforming informal sector tax collection in the state to include:

TransPay Technology a digital payment platform revolutionizing revenue collection in the transport sector, significantly enhancing both efficiency and compliance,Anambra e-Market Business Enterprise (AMBE) an integrated system enabling comprehensive enumeration of market traders and operators.

He said the platform automates ledgers for various market-related taxes, including personal income tax, withholding tax on rentals, and capital gains tax on property sales.

According to him,these innovations drew widespread commendations from JTB members.

Following the innovation,Several states, including Zamfara, have requested study visits to Anambra, while others have opted for virtual knowledge-sharing sessions with AiRS officials.

Notably, Dr. Ezeilo was recognized by senior JTB members as a leading expert on informal sector taxation in Nigeria, despite not yet holding a ranking position on the board.

The Governor of Ekiti State, who officially opened the retreat, expressed his pleasure in hosting the event.

He highlighted his administration’s recent tax reforms, which have markedly increased state revenues, and pledged full support for the retreat’s objectives. He also encouraged participants to engage in peer-to-peer learning to foster greater collaboration.

One of the retreat’s highlights was a lecture by Prof. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy, titled “Exploring Imperatives for Tax Harmonization at the Subnational Level.”

Dr. Ezeilo’s presentation on “Taxation of the Informal Sector: Relevant Provisions in the New Tax Laws and Strategies for Encouraging Formalization” was lauded as groundbreaking.

Delegates praised Anambra’s approach for enhancing transparency, improving compliance, and minimizing revenue leakages.

Participants also enjoyed Ekiti State’s rich cultural and natural heritage. Visits to the world-renowned Ikogosi Warm Springs—where hot and cold waters flow side by side without mixing—and a scenic hike to the Arinta Waterfalls provided memorable experiences, underscoring the retreat’s blend of professional development and cultural enrichment.

The retreat ended with a renewed commitment from participants to strengthen tax systems across Nigeria. With its pioneering digital solutions and visionary reforms, Anambra has solidified its status as the model state for informal sector taxation.

This distinction is a testament to the visionary leadership of Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, Governor of Anambra State, whose administration continues to champion innovation, efficiency, and integrity in governance and revenue management.

The retreat convened top stakeholders from Nigeria’s tax ecosystem, including,Prof. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy,Prof. Abiola Sani, Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Lagos and Executive Chairmen of State Internal Revenue Services from across the federation.