StatiSense Report Validates Peter Obi’s Claim on SABMiller as Leading Local Tax Payer in Anambra State

 

A recent revelation by digital analytics firm StatiSense has stirred political and economic conversations across Anambra State. The company confirmed that SABMiller Breweries, now operating under the name Int’l Breweries, is the highest tax-paying indigenous company in the state for the year 2024.

This disclosure follows a powerful speech made by former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi last Friday at the All Saints Cathedral field in Onitsha. Speaking at the campaign flag-off event for Labour Party’s governorship candidate, Dr George Moghalu, and his running mate, Obi used the occasion to underscore the importance of economic development through strategic investments.

During his address to Labour Party stakeholders and supporters, Obi reminded the crowd of his administration’s efforts to strengthen Anambra’s economic backbone. He reflected on his decision to bring SABMiller Breweries to life during his tenure, highlighting that the venture has yielded long-lasting benefits for the people and the government.

Obi stated that effective governance must reflect empathy and concern for ordinary citizens, especially small-scale traders and low-income earners. He criticized policies that burden the poor with taxes, stressing that leadership should focus on improving their quality of life.

"You can assess yourselves," Obi declared. "Governance for me is about compassion and empathy, caring for the lowly, petty traders. It is not these same poor masses you tax. Instead of ensuring they feed well and go to school."

According to Obi, the brewery, which some had dismissed during his time in office, is now among the most significant contributors to the state’s internally generated revenue. He challenged the crowd to weigh the benefits of such an enterprise against recent projects like "Fun City", questioning which provides more value and long-term returns to the public.

The former governor also explained his choice of a female deputy governor during his time in office, saying that the decision stemmed from a desire to care for families and ensure a balanced approach to leadership. He described her as both popular and well-organized, attributes he believes are vital for supporting the socio-economic structure of the state.

Soon after Obi’s remarks gained traction online, StatiSense published a tweet verifying his claims. The data-centric platform listed the top tax contributors in Anambra for the year 2024, separating indigenous firms from their non-indigenous counterparts.

According to the data, the top five companies contributing to Anambra’s revenue stream are major commercial banks. These include First Bank with ₦1.306 billion, Zenith Bank with ₦1.051 billion, Access Bank at ₦1.093 billion, United Bank for Africa with ₦1.050 billion, and Fidelity Bank at ₦756.84 million.

Despite these large financial institutions topping the chart, the sixth position is occupied by Int’l Breweries, formerly SABMiller Breweries, with a tax contribution of ₦319.52 million. StatiSense noted that this figure makes it the highest indigenous company in the state when it comes to tax remittance.

The post read:

"TOP 6 SOURCES OF ANAMBRA STATE'S IGR – 2024

1. First Bank – ₦1.306bn

2. Zenith Bank – ₦1.051bn

3. United Bank for Africa – ₦1.050bn

4. Access Bank – ₦1.093bn

5. Fidelity Bank – ₦756.84m

6. Int'l Breweries – ₦319.52m
    

This recognition provides a solid counterpoint to past criticisms surrounding Obi’s investment decisions during his time in office. The brewery, once debated as a misplaced priority, has proven to be a long-term economic asset that not only generates employment but also significantly boosts the state's financial resources.

Many political observers now see this as an important narrative as the state gears up for the November 8, 2025, governorship election. The economic legacy of previous administrations, especially as they pertain to long-term revenue generation and job creation, is likely to play a major role in shaping public opinion and voting patterns.

Supporters of Obi have also seized the moment to emphasize his track record of accountability and data-driven leadership. The former governor’s insistence on verifiability of achievements seems to have found a factual backing in the StatiSense report, reinforcing his claims with concrete evidence.

As campaigns intensify ahead of the upcoming election, this development may influence not only party loyalty but also the public’s perception of what constitutes impactful governance. With economic growth, job creation, and state revenue high on the list of voter concerns, the performance of enterprises like SABMiller could serve as a benchmark for evaluating both past and future leadership.

TOP 6 SOURCES OF ANAMBRA STATE'S IGR — 2024

1 First Bank — ₦1.306bn
2 Zenith Bank — ₦1.051bn
3 United Bank for Africa — ₦1.050bn
4 Access Bank — ₦1.093bn
5 Fidelity Bank — ₦756.84m
6 Int'l Breweries — ₦319.52m

Int'l Breweries [SABMiller Breweries] is the highest…

— StatiSense (@StatiSense) July 17, 2025