Obaseki Brings Revenue Collection Under Direct Control of His Office, Strips Deputy of Role

Dissatisfied with the state’s abysmal performance in internally generated revenue, Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has transferred all revenue collection functions of the government to his office.

The governor, who queried the permanent secretaries of non-performing ministries and agencies, frowned at the plunge in revenues generated to below the ₦30 billion target in the first half of the year 2023.

A statement by the special adviser to the governor on media projects, Crusoe Osagie on Thursday, said: “He has ordered that they are now to come under the direct supervision of the Governor’s Office to ensure the attainment of the ₦62b target at the end of the year.”

By this directive, Governor Obaseki has stripped his deputy, Phillip Shaibu, of his erstwhile supervisory role in revenue generation and collection in the state.

According to Osagie, “At the end of the month of June 2023, the Governor’s Office reviewed the year-to-date revenue status of the government, showing that earnings fell under the ₦30bn target.

“On account of that, the governor has queried all Permanent Secretaries and Heads of revenue-generating agencies within government, including the Local Government Areas (LGAs), who have not met their mid-year target.