By Grace Oakhiena
As part of efforts to optimize revenue generation from the Oil and Gas Sector, the Edo State Government has embarked on a collaborative initiative with key stakeholders on revenue generation and appropriation.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Oil and Gas, Hon. Felix Osemwengie Isere Esq. in company of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Mining and Energy, Mrs. Omoruyi Ese Martina, led a high-level delegation to the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) to explore strategies for enhancing the State’s earnings from its oil and gas resources.
The delegation also featured the Special Adviser to the Governor on Finance, Investment, and Revenue, Mr. Kizito Okpebholo, amongst other notable stakeholders. The Team engaged in discussions focused on improving revenue collection systems, identifying untapped opportunities, and streamlining operations across the oil and gas value chain.
Hon. Isere emphasizing the importance of inter-agency collaboration in achieving the State’s revenue goals, said, “Our mission is to maximize the economic benefits of Edo State’s oil and gas resources by working closely with relevant stakeholders. This collaboration will strengthen our fiscal position and drive sustainable development across the State.”
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Mining and Energy took a firm stance on transparency and accountability in revenue collection. As part of the Ministry’s efforts to optimize revenue generation, she emphasized that all funds collected on behalf of the Ministry of Energy and Mining should be duly credited to the Ministry’s accounts.
According to Mrs. Omoruyi, the directive is to ensure that all revenue collected is properly accounted for, transparently recorded, and utilized for the intended purposes of developing the State’s Energy and Mining Sector. She said that by doing so, it is aimed at promoting fiscal discipline, reduce leakages, and guaranteethat the State’s resources are harnessed efficiently to drive economic growth and development
The Chairman of the Edo State Board of Internal Revenue Service, Hon. Oladele Bankole Balogun, commended Hon. Isere for his initiative and assured him of the Board’s full support in implementing strategies to boost oil and gas revenues. The discussions highlighted the need for enhancing tax collection frameworks and creating efficient mechanisms to harness the full potential of the sector.
These efforts align with the broader vision of the State Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, of diversifying the State’s revenue base to fund critical infrastructure and drive economic growth. Under the leadership of the Governor, the Edo State Government has demonstrated its commitment to transparency, fiscal discipline, and innovation by engaging experts and stakeholders in formulating impactful
revenue-generating policies.
