Ondo State Revenue Service (ODIRS) Reports ₦28.1 Billion IGR in First Half of 2025

The Ondo State Internal Revenue Service (ODIRS) has announced that it generated a total of ₦28.1 billion as Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) during the first six months of 2025. The disclosure was made on Monday in Akure by the Acting Chairman of the service, Mr. Bayo Rojugbokan, who described the performance as a testament to the agency’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and efficiency.

According to Rojugbokan, the figure reported on the Joint Tax Board (JTB) portal represents the actual revenue performance of the state within the period, contrary to claims circulating on social media suggesting that Ondo State had only generated ₦22.5 billion.

Transparency in Revenue Reporting

In his statement, the acting chairman emphasized that ODIRS remains fully committed to upholding global best practices in revenue administration. He assured residents that the agency would continue to implement measures designed to block leakages, improve compliance, and optimize revenue streams for the state.

“The attention of ODIRS has been drawn to a misleading report currently circulating on social media and other online platforms regarding the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of Ondo State for the first half of 2025. We wish to categorically state that this information is incorrect and does not reflect the true revenue performance of the state,” Rojugbokan clarified.

He urged members of the public to rely only on credible and official sources when seeking information on government revenue, stressing that misinformation could create unnecessary confusion and undermine public trust.

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Breaking Down the Numbers

The ₦28.1 billion generated represents a significant increase compared to the same period in previous years, reflecting ODIRS’s reforms in tax administration and collection. While Rojugbokan did not provide a detailed breakdown of revenue sources, it is widely known that Ondo State relies heavily on revenue from Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) tax, levies on businesses, land use charges, road taxes, and other statutory fees.

Analysts say the performance demonstrates improved tax compliance among individuals and corporate organizations operating within the state. Enhanced digital payment platforms and closer monitoring of revenue-generating agencies are believed to have contributed to the rise.

Commitment to Sustainable Development

Rojugbokan explained that revenue growth is not an end in itself but a means to drive sustainable development across Ondo State. He reiterated that every kobo collected is meant to support critical infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other social services that improve the lives of citizens.

“The people of Ondo State can be assured that the service will continue to work tirelessly to improve revenue generation towards the sustainable development of the state,” he assured.

This message aligns with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration’s agenda of diversifying the state’s economy and reducing dependence on federal allocations. The government has consistently highlighted IGR growth as a pathway to self-reliance and accelerated development.

Tackling Misinformation

A major highlight of Rojugbokan’s address was the need to combat the spread of misinformation. He described the viral report pegging Ondo State’s IGR at ₦22.5 billion as misleading and capable of creating a distorted image of the government’s fiscal health.

“We, therefore, urge the general public and stakeholders to always verify information from credible and official sources before dissemination,” he appealed.

The acting chairman stressed that accurate financial reporting not only reassures investors and development partners but also strengthens accountability between government and citizens.

Ondo State in the Bigger Picture

Ondo’s performance places it among states with relatively strong revenue bases in Nigeria’s Southwest. While Lagos and Ogun States remain at the top of the IGR chart nationwide, Ondo has steadily increased its revenue through reforms and stricter enforcement of tax laws.

The ₦28.1 billion figure, when compared with federal allocations, represents a considerable boost to the state’s financial independence. With this progress, Ondo is expected to fund more capital projects and strengthen social intervention programs without relying excessively on monthly allocations from Abuja.

Outlook for the Second Half of 2025

Looking ahead, ODIRS is expected to continue its drive for revenue expansion in the second half of 2025. Digital innovation, improved taxpayer education, and stricter enforcement against evasion are likely to remain central strategies.

Observers believe that with sustained efforts, Ondo State could surpass ₦55 billion in annual IGR by the end of the year, setting a new benchmark in its fiscal history. This would not only enhance service delivery but also position the state as a key player in the economic development of the Southwest.

The announcement of ₦28.1 billion in Internally Generated Revenue for the first half of 2025 underscores the progress made by the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service in strengthening the state’s financial base. While misinformation threatened to cast doubt on this achievement, the clarification from ODIRS has restored confidence in the accuracy of official data.

For Ondo people, the figures represent more than statistics—they are a promise of better roads, improved schools, stronger healthcare, and expanded opportunities. As ODIRS looks ahead, the challenge remains not just to generate revenue but to ensure it translates into tangible development for every resident of the state.