The Kano Internal Revenue Service (KIRS) has announced a significant milestone, generating N65 billion in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for the year 2024. This achievement was revealed by the Chairman of KIRS, Dr. Zaid Abubakar, during an award night ceremony held in Kano. According to Dr. Abubakar, the official figure may potentially rise to N70 billion or more once all reconciliations are completed.
Dr. Abubakar expressed his optimism about the future, stating that the Service aims to double, if not triple, the current IGR figure by the end of 2025. He emphasized the importance of dedicating effort and service to the state, with a target of generating at least N150 billion. This ambitious goal is driven by the conviction that with hard work and commitment, the Service can replicate its current success by the end of December 2025.
One of the key strategies employed by KIRS is the registration of taxpayers, with a goal to register at least 2 million taxpayers in the state. Dr. Abubakar explained that if each taxpayer pays N100,000 per year, the state can generate N200 billion in revenue annually. Despite facing various challenges, KIRS has made significant strides in tax compliance, revenue generation, and efficient servicing in 2024.
The implementation of a new electronic tax system, which requires a National Identification Number (NIN) for registration, has led to a steady increase in NIN enrollment in Kano state. With an estimated 10.2 million NIN enrollees and counting, the state has made progress in reducing identification issues for the internal revenue service. Since the rollout of the new tax collection platform, which mandates NIN as a means of identification, the number of enrollees has exceeded 2.1 million.
Dr. Abubakar acknowledged the support of the state governor, Abba Yusuf, and commended the staff of the Service and the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) for their unwavering support. The Chairman announced cash prizes for outstanding staff, including Isa Yakubu Yargaya, who won the award of Staff of the Year and received N1.5 million. Other notable awardees included Maryam Shuaibu, Hassan Garba Muhammad, Hauwa Suleiman, and Abass Saidu, who each received N500,000.
The KIRS has also secured houses for two of its most performing staff at the federal government’s Renewed Hope Housing estate. These achievements demonstrate the Service’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding excellence, as well as its determination to drive revenue growth and economic development in the state. As KIRS continues to strive for excellence, its efforts are poised to have a lasting impact on the state’s economy and the lives of its citizens.
