…Cross River State Reopens Revamped Calabar Tax Office 1, Governor Otu Hails Revenue Growth and Efficiency
Calabar–In a move to enhance revenue collection and improve taxpayer experience, the Cross River State government on Monday reopened the newly revamped Calabar Tax Office 1. The ceremony was attended by top government officials, including the Commissioner for Finance, Michael Odere, who represented Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, the Executive Chairman of the Cross River Internal Revenue Service (CRIRS), Edwin Okon, and Hon. Hillary Bissong, Member of the State House of Assembly etc NEGROIDHAVEN can report .
In his address, Governor Bassey Otu, represented by Commissioner Odere commended the CRIRS for its remarkable achievements in boosting the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). He highlighted the administration’s commitment to leveraging technology to streamline tax processes, reduce leakages, and create a seamless experience for taxpayers.
“We have achieved a 290% increase in tax revenue over the past 18 months without increasing the tax burden on our people,” Odere stated. “This is because we have focused on efficiency, transparency, and automation. Our goal is to make Cross River state a model for revenue generation and utilization.”
The Governor also emphasized the importance of providing taxpayers with visible dividends of their contributions, noting that the state’s investments in infrastructure, healthcare, and education are directly linked to the improved revenue profile. He assured residents that the revamped Calabar Tax Office 1, now a one-stop shop for all tax-related services, is just the beginning of a broader plan to replicate such facilities across the state.
Edwin Okon, Executive Chairman of CRIRS, recounted the transformation of the Calabar Tax Office 1 from a dilapidated structure to a modern, fully equipped facility. He revealed that the office, once seen as a punishment posting for staff, is now a sought-after assignment destination due to its improved working conditions.
“When I first visited this office after a storm damaged part of the roof, I knew we had to change the story,” Okon said. “Today, we have not only rebuilt this office but also created an environment that inspires productivity and efficiency.”
Okon also disclosed that the state’s IGR had grown from N22 billion in December 2022 to N46 billion by the end of 2024, attributing the success to the collective efforts of the CRIRS team, the support of the Governor, and the cooperation of taxpayers. He pledged to surpass the 2025 revenue target, promising to “surprise the Governor” with even higher figures.
Hon. Hillary Bissong, Member of the State House of Assembly, praised the CRIRS for its consistent revenue growth and commitment to staff welfare. He noted that the Assembly had initially set a revenue target of N36 billion for 2024 but had to revise it to N46 billion due to the agency’s impressive performance.
“Since Edwin Okon became Chairman, our revenue has grown geometrically,” Bissong said. “This is a testament to good governance and effective leadership. We will continue to support the CRIRS to ensure Cross River State remains financially strong.”
Dr. Innocent Eteng, Head of the Cross River State Civil Service, lauded the CRIRS for its efforts in enhancing the state’s revenue profile and improving infrastructure. He described the revamped Calabar Tax Office 1 as a “testament to the commitment of the Otu administration to excellence and innovation.”
“This facility is not just for the staff; it is for the taxpayers who deserve a seamless and comfortable experience,” Eteng said. “I commend the CRIRS team for their dedication and urge them to continue raising the bar.”
The reopening of the Calabar Tax Office 1 marks a new era in tax administration in Cross River. With its state-of-the-art facilities, automated processes, and focus on taxpayer comfort, the office is expected to serve as a model for other tax offices across the state.
The event concluded with a tour of the facility and a call for sustained collaboration to move Cross River State “from strength to strength.”
