In a major step toward modernizing governance and boosting internally generated revenue (IGR), the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Dr. Gift Worlu, has announced a strategic partnership with Cinfores Limited, a renowned Nigerian ICT company.
This collaboration, he said, aims to digitalize the council’s civil service operations and fully automate its revenue collection systems.
The announcement was made during a meeting on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at the Obio/Akpor Council Secretariat, which brought together principal council officers, members of the legislative assembly, revenue consultants, and ICT experts from Cinfores.
Speaking at the event, Worlu described the digitalization initiative as a milestone in his administration’s vision to build a smarter, more transparent, and people-focused local government.
“It’s a great day for us as we take this decisive step to enhance our competence and work smarter for our people. This new system will increase our revenue base, reduce corruption, create a friendlier business environment, and improve the delivery of the dividends of democracy to our people.”
The LG chair emphasized Obio/Akpor’s strategic position as the commercial hub of the state, stating that it must lead by example in adopting technology-driven solutions for governance and development.
He noted that the initiative will generate accurate data on businesses, employment, and economic activity within the LGA, vital information for 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. With proper data management, we can create jobs, manage resources better, and block revenue leakages. This system will help us achieve that.”
Worlu called on all stakeholders to fully embrace the initiative, stressing that the project is not his alone but a shared vision for a digital-first, accountable, and efficient local government.
“This is not the Chairman’s idea alone; it is our idea. Together, we will move from the traditional approach into a new digital era and set the pace for other LGAs to follow,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Estate Surveyor Emma Okas Wike, the council’s revenue consultant, praised the chairman’s foresight and leadership. He noted that automation will reduce human interference, promote transparency, and increase compliance.
“Automation minimizes leakages caused by interpersonal relationships between collectors and payers.
“It simplifies processes, encourages voluntary compliance, and ensures every revenue item is properly accounted for.”
Presenting the proposed system, CEO of Cinfores Limited, Mr. Asawo Ibifuro, unveiled a comprehensive digital revenue and identification verification platform that will become the backbone of all council transactions.
The system, he said, will consolidate various revenue sources, including business permits, operational licenses, market levies, and shop fees, into a single, integrated, and transparent platform.
“Our solution will automate revenue collection, provide real-time data on payments, and enable the council to monitor performance through a dashboard interface. It will also include a digital identification system to verify residents and business owners, prevent fraud, and aid effective planning.”
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He further noted that the platform aligns with the upcoming National Tax Administration Reforms set to begin in January 2026, positioning Obio/Akpor as a pioneer in digital tax management and e-invoicing among Nigerian LGAs.
Principal officers and councillors of the Obio/Akpor Legislative Assembly pledged full support for the digital transformation, promising to work closely with the executive arm to ensure the project’s success.
Attendees at the meeting included the Head of Local Government Administration (HLGA), Mr. Sunny Adibe, the Head of Personnel Management (HPM), departmental directors, and other senior council staff.
Once implemented, the initiative is expected to revolutionize revenue collection, enhance service delivery, and position Obio/Akpor as a model for digital governance in Rivers State and beyond.
