Monday, 1 December 2025

Kaduna projects N85bn IGR for 2025 as state deepens tax reforms


 

By Sani Idris Abdulrahman 

The Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS) says the state is projecting an internally generated revenue of about N85 billion by the end of 2025, as it continues to strengthen a fair, transparent, and technology-driven tax administration system.

The Executive Chairman of KADIRS, Mr Jerry Adams, said this in his address at the 2025 KADIRS Tax Dialogue held on Monday in Kaduna.

The theme of the dialogue was “Transforming Tax Administration for the Future: Navigating the Procedural and Practice Shift Signaled by the Nigerian Tax Reform Act and Enhancing Compliance Into 2026 and Beyond”.

Adams said the dialogue was organised to help stakeholders understand the procedural changes introduced by the Nigeria Tax Reform Act 2025 and identify practical strategies for implementation at the state level.

He said KADIRS had steadily improved revenue performance from N58 billion before 2023 to N62 billion in 2023 and N71 billion in 2024. 

He added that the state was currently trending around N85 billion, with an average monthly revenue of N7 billion, reflecting steady growth driven by reforms, efficiency measures, and strengthened collaboration with MDAs.

He attributed the progress to the commitment of Gov. Uba Sani to infrastructure development, security, and inclusive governance, which had increased public confidence and encouraged voluntary compliance. 

Adams said the governor’s support had also accelerated manpower expansion, improved staff welfare, and facilitated technological innovation, including the PAYKADUNA portal, which enhanced transparency and efficiency.

He disclosed that the state government had approved a committee to review and update the Kaduna State Tax Codification and Consolidation Law to fully align with the National Tax Act before January 2026. 

He said insights from the dialogue, particularly on legal implications, corporate communication, and implementation planning, would guide the amendment process and improve revenue mobilisation.

Adams also acknowledged the support of Kaduna State MDAs, technical partners such as Primeguage Solutions, and national stakeholders like the Joint Tax Board for strengthening the state’s tax administration system. 

He urged participants to engage openly, challenge assumptions, and offer practical recommendations to shape the evolution of Kaduna’s tax ecosystem for the benefit of businesses, citizens, and government.

In his remarks, Gov. Uba Sani, said building a resilient revenue system requires collective responsibility and sustained collaboration.

Sani, represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, said global economic changes are reshaping tax systems to reflect digital activity, informal sector growth and evolving labour patterns, acknowledging Nigerian Government's commitment to the far-reaching reforms to modernise its tax landscape.

Sani said the reforms align with Kaduna’s agenda to simplify processes, eliminate duplication, reduce compliance friction and place data at the centre of decision-making.

He added that taxation must not punish poverty but draw from genuine income to ensure fairness while expanding revenue to support schools, healthcare access, rural roads, water systems and security infrastructure that protect communities and businesses.

He said trust in public systems is central to compliance, adding that tax administration must treat citizens with respect and provide clarity, not intimidation.

According to him, reforms are designed to grow the local economy, expand investment opportunities and create pathways for young people to aspire to better livelihoods.

The governor said the state would strengthen inter-agency collaboration, expand staff capacity, and prioritise taxpayer engagement and service delivery to build confidence in the system.

Sani urged business leaders, financial experts, civil society and community representatives to engage constructively, saying the strength of the state’s tax system depends on shared conviction and fairness.

Also, Muhammad Dattijo, Deputy Governor, Economic Policy Directorate of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), said the Nigerian Tax Reform Act represents a major step toward strengthening fiscal governance and improving the country’s economic resilience.

He said the reforms would boost non-oil revenue, expand the formal economy and reduce reliance on deficit financing, thereby supporting monetary stability and long-term development planning across the federation.

Dattijo urged states to leverage technology and data-driven systems to improve efficiency and transparency in revenue collection, adding that collaboration with the private sector and financial institutions would be critical to achieving sustainable tax compliance and growth.

In a keynote presentation, Mr Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman, Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, said the reforms are aimed at creating a fair, growth-driven tax system that supports national development and economic stability.

He said the committee is working to simplify tax laws, harmonise revenue collection and eliminate multiple taxation that places a heavy burden on individuals and businesses across the country.

Oyedele explained that enhanced transparency, technology-based administration and broader tax education would help boost voluntary compliance, improve the business environment and strengthen government revenue.

The lead paper presenter, Dr Bagudo Mustapha, said the fiscal reforms would only succeed if supported by strong institutions, clear accountability and consistent political will at all levels of government.

He said Nigeria must prioritise efficiency in revenue administration and block leakages, adding that the growing reliance on borrowing for public expenditure was unsustainable and harmful to long-term growth.

Mustapha urged government agencies to adopt modern data systems and collaborate with stakeholders to ensure that tax policies promote fairness, encourage investment and reflect the realities of the economy.(NAN)

Lifestyle

Sunday, 30 November 2025

Kaduna SURWASH Team Pays High-Level Advocacy Visit to Emir of Zazzau, Seeks Stronger Collaboration on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene

 By Stella Kabruk 

In its drive to deepen stakeholder engagement and strengthen collaboration for improved service delivery, the Kaduna State Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) Programme has paid a high-level advocacy visit to the Emir of Zazzau, His Royal Highness, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli.

The delegation was led by the Honourable Commissioner for Public Works and Infrastructure, Architect Ibrahim Hamza Soba, who informed the Emir that the Kaduna State Government has approved major contracts for the rehabilitation of critical water treatment plants and booster stations. These include the 150, 50, and 10 million-liters-per-day facilities in Zaria, as well as others in Kaduna North, Kaduna South, and surrounding communities.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Ashiru Abdu Na Abdu, the Commissioner explained that Kaduna State Government under the leadership of His Excellency the Executive Governor, Senator Uba Sani is also undertaking a comprehensive review of laws governing water supply, sanitation, and waste management to enhance institutional capacity and ensure long-term sustainability of the water sector.

He noted that the administration inherited a severely distressed water system plagued by unpaid staff salaries, dilapidated facilities, and extremely low production levels. As part of efforts to stabilize operations, the government has cleared an eleven-month salary backlog owed to staff of the Kaduna State Water Corporation.

The Commissioner further revealed that the Government has regularized and integrated “cash work” staff into the formal civil service structure to promote accountability, improve workforce management, and enhance service delivery.

He added that the advocacy visit was intended to brief the Emir on the ongoing interventions across the WASH sector and to secure stronger community ownership and protection of water and sanitation facilities provided under SURWASH.

According to him, capacity utilization of the state’s water system was below 10 percent when the administration assumed office. However, with current interventions, production levels are projected to rise to nearly 70 percent by the first quarter of next year, Insha Allah.

Expressing concern over persistent vandalism of treatment plants, booster stations, power lines, and critical equipment, the Commissioner warned that such acts continue to undermine water supply and worsen the hardships faced by residents. He appealed to communities to safeguard water infrastructure and promptly report any suspicious activities.

In his response, the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, commended the Government's commitment to improving water supply but noted that weak enforcement and absence of punitive measures continue to encourage vandalism and destruction of public assets. He assured the delegation of the full support of the Zazzau Emirate Council, including intensified community sensitization and stronger collaboration to protect water installations and ensure that government investments yield sustainable benefits.

The Permanent Secretary was accompanied by the Programme Coordinator, Engr. Esau A. Ambinjah; Director General of the Kaduna State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, Engr. Mubarak Ladan; Managing Director of the Kaduna State Water Corporation, Engr. Kabir Ahmad Rufa’i; Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Water Regulatory Commission, Dr. Bashir Dogora; the Managing Director of the Kaduna State Environmental Protection Authority, Mal. Sulaiman Ibrahim as well as other officials from the SURWASH Coordinating Unit and implementing agencies.