FACT-CHECK: Anambra State Internal Revenue Service Debunks Peter Obi’s Claim About SABMiller’s Tax Status
The Anambra State Internal Revenue Service (AiRS) has officially debunked a recent claim made by former Governor Peter Obi, which alleged that SABMiller Breweries (now International Breweries Plc) is the highest taxpayer in Anambra State.
In a detailed statement released by the agency, the AiRS clarified that while SABMiller is indeed one of the corporate tax contributors in the state, it does not rank among the top five. The clarification follows a thorough review of tax records for the years 2023 and 2024, which clearly show that several other institutions — particularly banks — far exceed SABMiller’s tax contributions.
A Closer Look at the Data
According to AiRS, Anambra’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has improved remarkably in recent years. The monthly IGR moved from a previous low of ₦1.5–₂.0 billion to a consistent average of ₦4 billion, hitting a record high of ₦10.5 billion in May 2025.
Despite this growth, SABMiller’s contribution over the two-year period is ₦656.5 million, averaging ₦28 million per month in 2023 and ₦26.62 million in 2024. This puts the company in sixth position on the list of top taxpaying entities in the state.
Top Taxpayers in Anambra State (2023–2024)
Here are the top six corporate taxpayers, based on total PAYE (Pay As You Earn) and WHT (Withholding Tax) remittances:
1.First Bank – ₦2.15 billion
2.Zenith Bank – ₦1.70 billion
3.United Bank for Africa (UBA) – ₦1.68 billion
4.Access Bank – ₦1.77 billion
5.Fidelity Bank – ₦1.19 billion
6.International Breweries Plc (SABMiller) – ₦656.56 million
Why This Matters
The clarification from AiRS is significant, as it aims to correct public misinformation and ensure transparency in governance and public finance. It also provides a clearer picture of the role that various corporate entities play in the state’s economic development.
In the words of Dr. Greg U. Ezeilo, Chairman of the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service:
“The above clarifications became necessary to properly situate the claims made by the former governor and to give undiluted information for the members of the public to note.”
Final Thoughts
As Anambra continues to grow its revenue base and strengthen its tax administration system, it is crucial that public discourse around such matters is anchored on verified facts. The AiRS remains committed to providing accurate, timely information to the public and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability.
