The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Chairman, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, has urged state governments to brace for imminent tax reforms.
Speaking at the 155th Meeting of the Joint Tax Board (JTB) in Suleja, Niger State, Adedeji highlighted the importance of a robust Internal Generated Revenue (IGR) system. He stressed the need for states to optimize revenue collection for “socioeconomic and human development.”
“At this critical point, it is necessary to strengthen our IGR capacity to ensure that revenue administration processes, especially at the subnational level, become as efficient as possible to optimize IGR collection,” Adedeji stated.
He acknowledged the ongoing tax reform efforts led by the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, emphasizing the future impact on revenue authorities at all government levels. Adedeji expressed confidence that with innovative approaches, Niger State could achieve a monthly IGR target of N5 billion.
Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State, represented by Mustapha Ndajiwo, the Commissioner for Budget and National Planning, shared a case study of successful IGR improvement in the state.
Ndajiwo reported a rise in Niger State’s IGR, with an average monthly collection of N2,621,710,688.94 between January and May 2024, compared to N1,806,280,088.25 in the same period last year. May 2024 alone saw a collection of N3,508,389,805.20, representing a 45 percent increase.
Ndajiwo attributed this growth to strategic reforms and innovative approaches to tax collection, prioritizing transparency, efficiency, and taxpayer education.
He also noted Niger State’s active collaboration with the Joint Tax Board, which facilitates the exchange of ideas, best practices, and solutions to shared challenges in tax administration and revenue optimization.
