From N2.4bn in 2017 to N60bn in 2023, Edo state’s Internally Generated Revenue IGR has seen
astronomical growths under Governor Godwin Obaseki. The Governor attributes this to engaging
revenue agents, consolidated collection into a single account and the use of technology. Not that
these factors are not so, but the 100% to 250% tuition fees increase in Ekpoma and Uniben tells its
own story. Over N100k per head and most of this increase comes from the diaspora, as well as
others.
For the diasporans, what matters to us in Edo 2024, is a government who will interact with us to see
how some of the funds collected back home can be put back to support and organise the Edo
diaspora community here.
There is no money in the diaspora community because the Diasporans majorly have bills to pay and
send the rest of their monies back home to support members of their families. If the incoming Edo
State Government makes a budget for better diaspora interaction in 2024, it will be a welcome
development away from taxing the diaspora more to increase IGR.
There is also the trouble where Edo Governments and politicians can give such responsibilities to
people who the diaspora do not know or who don’t reside in the diaspora. That is why the Edo
diaspora is organising itself for 2024. Leadership of the Edo Diaspora will come from the Edo
