“We Must Work Smarter, Reduce Leakages, and Make Governance People-Centric” — Hon. Dr. Gift Worlu
In fulfillment of his commitment to build a smarter, more transparent, and people-centered administration, the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Gift Worlu, has partnered with Cinfores Limited, a leading Nigerian Information and Communication Technology (ICT) company, to digitalize the council’s civil service operations and automate its revenue collection system.
This strategic collaboration marks a major milestone in the local government’s effort to modernize governance, boost internally generated revenue (IGR), and strengthen accountability in public administration. The partnership was formalized during a meeting at the Obio/Akpor Council Secretariat, attended by principal officers of the council, members of the Legislative Assembly, revenue consultants, and ICT experts from Cinfores. Discussions focused on the deployment of a new digital revenue automation and identification verification platform designed and powered by Cinfores.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Worlu emphasized the need for smarter governance powered by technology to enhance efficiency and productivity. He highlighted key benefits of the new system, including an expanded revenue base, reduced corruption, and a friendlier business environment that delivers the dividends of democracy more effectively.
He further noted that as the commercial hub of Rivers State, Obio/Akpor must lead in adopting technology-driven governance to promote sustainable growth. According to him, the initiative will provide accurate data on local businesses, employment, and economic activities, thereby enabling evidence-based planning and development.
Revenue consultant Esv. Emma Okas Wike commended the Chairman’s vision, noting that automation will simplify processes, encourage compliance, and ensure that every revenue item is properly accounted for. He added that it will minimize human interference, reduce leakages, and ensure fairness in revenue assessment.
Representing Cinfores Limited, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Asawo Ibifuro, presented the proposed Digital Revenue and Identification Verification System, which will serve as the technological backbone of the council’s new digital governance framework. The solution integrates all revenue sources from business permits and licenses to market levies and shop fees into a centralized, transparent platform accessible in real time.
“Our solution automates revenue collection, provides real-time payment data, and enables the council to monitor performance through a secure dashboard,” Ibifuro explained. “It will also include a digital identification system to verify residents and businesses, prevent fraud, and support effective planning.”
Mr. Ibifuro further noted that the Cinfores system aligns with Nigeria’s forthcoming National Tax Administration Reforms, scheduled to take effect in January 2026, positioning Obio/Akpor among the first local governments in the country to transition fully to e-invoicing and digital tax management.
The principal officers and members of the Obio/Akpor Legislative Assembly pledged their full support for the initiative, affirming their readiness to collaborate with the executive to ensure its successful implementation. Among the attendees were the Head of Local Government Administration (HLGA), Mr. Sunny Adibe; the Head of Personnel Management (HPM); department directors; and senior council staff.
Cinfores Limited, a trailblazer in digital transformation, has consistently partnered with government institutions to build data-driven, transparent, and efficient systems that redefine public service delivery in Nigeria. Through this partnership with Obio/Akpor, Cinfores once again demonstrates its leadership in deploying technology solutions that promote accountability, foster innovation, and enhance governance at every level. This project is expected to revolutionize revenue management and position Obio/Akpor as a model for digital governance in Rivers State and beyond.
“Cinfores continues to lead the digital transformation journey, turning visionary ideas into practical solutions that redefine governance across Nigeria.”
