By Alex C
Recently released data on the 2013 Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealed that Lagos outperforms 13 other states. Of the N590.60 billion generated by the 14 states, Lagos alone accounted for 65 percent (N384.26 billion)
A cursory peep into NBS data reveal that the N590.60 billion 2013 IGR represents an increase of 45.43 percent from N405.82 billion recorded in 2012.
Rivers State, one of the oil producing states in the country, came second with an IGR of 87.91 billion, representing 15 percent of the total figure.
Analysts believe Lagos which remains the commercial hub of Nigeria benefits from huge population and infrastructure development which has attracted a lot of people, its tax revenue has to be robust. On the other hand, skilled labour, good governance and security put states like Lagos in an advantageous position over other Northern states whose growth potentials has been affected as a result of insurgency in the North.
Disappointingly, Zamfara, Taraba, Plateau, Niger, Kogi, Katsina, and Anambra, recorded less than 1 percent each of the total IGR of N590.60 billion.
The reliance on oil revenue has also prevented states from developing the natural resources at their disposal to boost IGR. Oil revenue, which accounts for 80 percent of Nigeria’s consolidated government revenue, has been dwindling due to theft and vandalism.
To further exacerbate the already anaemic position of country’s oil position is the fact that countries like United State of America have reduced demand for Nigeria oil.