Kano targets N15 billion monthly revenue by 2026

The Kano State Internal Revenue Service (KIRS) is targeting a monthly revenue of N15 billion by 2026. This projection stems from a new tax framework that emphasizes fairness and efficiency, according to Alhaji Muhammed Abba Aliyu, Executive Director of Compliance and Enforcement at KIRS. The revised system protects lower‑income earners by taxing only those who earn above N800,000 annually. It concentrates on income tax from employment or business activities, service charges for accessing public amenities, and penalties for legal infractions, thereby streamlining revenue collection and reinforcing the social contract between citizens and the state.

To achieve these goals, KIRS is promoting digital tax systems that provide secure, traceable payment options. The adoption of such technology is expected to transform revenue collection in Kano State. Alhassan Usman, a representative of the Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Engagement (PACE), highlighted the importance of digital payments and urged residents to move away from cash‑based interactions with revenue officers. The campaign also seeks to educate citizens on the long‑term benefits of tax compliance, including the ability to monitor their financial health and position themselves for growth opportunities.

Kano State has already made significant progress in increasing its internally generated revenue (IGR). In 2024, the state’s IGR doubled to N74.77 billion, up from N37.38 billion in 2023, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). This milestone resulted from blocking leakages and overhauling KIRS after Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf assumed office in 2023. The governor’s administration has been credited with employing skilled personnel to handle revenue generation, helping Kano emerge as one of Nigeria’s fastest‑growing revenue states.

Governor Yusuf has expressed gratitude for the cooperation received from the populace and pledged to do more to improve the state’s revenue generation. With the new tax framework and the promotion of digital tax systems, Kano State is poised to achieve its revenue targets and continue expanding its economy.