The Abia State Government has announced plans to embark on a comprehensive enumeration of all residential and commercial properties across the state. The initiative is part of a strategic effort to expand the state’s tax base and significantly increase its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from N40 billion to an ambitious N120 billion by the end of 2025.
Speaking during a press briefing in Umuahia on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Okey Kanu, revealed that the enumeration exercise would be rolled out in the coming weeks. The project will involve a detailed data capture of all houses and business outlets and will be integrated with the Abia State Social Identification Number (ABSSIN).
According to Kanu, the enumeration is not just about improving revenue collection but is also designed to promote fairness in taxation, enhance access to government social services, and support the creation of effective economic policies. He emphasized that by linking properties and businesses to ABSSIN, the state government would ensure better service delivery and strengthen its capacity to secure communities against criminal activities.
The Commissioner called on residents to support the administration of Governor Alex Otti by fulfilling their civic responsibility of tax payment. He assured that the initiative would ultimately benefit the people of Abia through improved public services and infrastructure.
Also speaking at the briefing, the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Uwaoma Ukandu, clarified that the enumeration exercise would come at no direct cost to the state government. He explained that the project’s technical partners are already benefiting from their partnership with the state and will carry out the data collection as part of their existing business engagement with Abia.
Ukandu added that the exercise would be implemented in phases, starting from urban centers before moving into rural areas. He reiterated that the primary goal is to ensure that every resident and business contributes fairly to the state’s development through regular tax payments.
The enumeration is expected to play a critical role in data-driven governance and economic planning, setting a new standard for fiscal transparency and accountability in Abia State.
