The Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Gift Worlu, has unveiled a partnership with Cinfores Limited, a leading Nigerian ICT company, to digitalize the council’s civil service operations and automate its revenue collection system.
The collaboration, announced during a meeting at the Obio/Akpor Council Secretariat, aims to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability in governance while boosting the council’s internally generated revenue (IGR).
Speaking at the event, Dr. Worlu described the move as a significant milestone in his administration’s drive to modernize local governance and deliver better services to residents.
“It’s a great day for us as we take this decisive step to enhance our competence and work smarter for our people,” he said. “This system will increase our revenue base, reduce corruption, create a friendlier business environment, and improve the delivery of the dividends of democracy.”
The Chairman emphasized that Obio/Akpor, as the commercial hub of Rivers State, must lead the way in adopting technology-driven governance. He explained that the digitalization process would generate reliable data on businesses and employment within the area, enabling evidence-based planning and sustainable development.
“We need to know the companies operating in our area, their locations, and how many of our people they employ,” he stated. “With proper data management, we can create jobs, manage resources better, and block revenue leakages.”
Dr. Worlu called on all stakeholders to support the project, describing it as a collective effort to make the council more accountable and people-centered.
“This is not the Chairman’s idea alone; it is our idea,” he added. “Together, we will move from the traditional approach into a new digital era and set the pace for other LGAs to follow.”
The revenue consultant, Estate Surveyor Emma Okas Wike, commended the initiative, noting that automation would reduce human interference, minimize losses, and promote fairness in revenue administration.
“Automation minimizes leakages caused by interpersonal relationships between collectors and payers,” he said. “It simplifies processes, encourages voluntary compliance, and ensures every revenue item is properly accounted for.”
Cinfores CEO, Mr. Asawo Ibifuro, presented the proposed digital revenue and identification verification system, which will integrate all revenue sources — including business permits, market levies, and operational licenses — into a centralized, transparent platform.
He noted that the initiative aligns with the forthcoming National Tax Administration Reforms set to begin in January 2026, positioning Obio/Akpor among the first LGAs in Nigeria to adopt e-invoicing and digital tax management.
