The Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF) has commenced a two-day study visit to the Delta State Internal Revenue Service (DSIRS) to examine the digital reforms that have transformed the State's tax administration system and contributed to its impressive Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) performance.
The NGF delegation, led by Mr. Olarenwaju Ajogbasile and accompanied by Mrs. Zubaida Abiola, explained that the visit was prompted by the outstanding performance of the Delta State Internal Revenue Service during a recent Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) assessment. According to the team, DSIRS earned high ratings in both the Digital Public Infrastructure Readiness Index and the Intelligent Revenue Authority (IRA) assessment.
Speaking during the opening session, Ajogbasile said the visit was intended to provide the delegation with practical knowledge of the digital innovations driving Delta State's success in tax administration. He noted that the engagement would also create an avenue for exchanging ideas, identifying best practices, and exploring innovative approaches that could strengthen revenue administration in other states.
He stressed that the NGF was particularly interested in understanding how the Service has successfully deployed Digital Public Infrastructure to improve tax administration, enhance operational efficiency, and increase taxpayer compliance.
"Our objective is to document the successes and lessons from Delta State's experience so that other states can adapt similar reforms to improve revenue generation, taxpayer services, and overall public sector performance," Ajogbasile stated.
As part of the visit, officials of the Delta State Internal Revenue Service delivered detailed presentations and conducted live demonstrations of the Service's digital tax administration platform. The session also featured an interactive discussion, moderated by the NGF team leader, with contributions from the Service's management team, departmental heads, and technical consultants.
Commending the digital platform developed by DSIRS, Ajogbasile described it as a forward-looking innovation that has significantly improved tax administration. He, however, pointed out a few areas where further improvements could enhance service delivery even more.
He added that the study was not only important for strengthening tax administration across Nigeria but could also provide valuable lessons for digital revenue management beyond the country's borders.
The Executive Chairman of the Delta State Internal Revenue Service, Hon. Chief Solomon Ighrakpata, who received the delegates together with the Executive Director (Operations), Prof. Frank Nwugo, described the visit as a positive development that reflects the Service's commitment to innovation, transparency, and continuous institutional improvement.
Prof. Nwugo noted that engagements of this nature support the State Government's Ease of Doing Business agenda while creating opportunities to further expand the revenue base through technology-driven service delivery.
"We are always pleased to welcome genuine opportunities to evaluate our systems and share our experiences. Knowledge sharing is a mutual process that encourages innovation, strengthens accountability, and ultimately leads to better public service delivery," he said.
The study visit is part of the Nigeria Governors' Forum's broader initiative to identify and promote successful public finance reforms across the country. Through such engagements, the Forum aims to encourage knowledge exchange, strengthen tax administration systems, improve revenue mobilisation, and support sustainable national development.
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