Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) chairman, Zacch Adedeji, has called on state governments to prepare for imminent tax reforms. Speaking at the 155th Meeting of the Joint Tax Board (JTB) in Suleja, Niger State, Adedeji stressed the need for states to improve their tax revenue and strengthen their Internal Generated Revenue (IGR) systems.
Adedeji highlighted the importance of efficient revenue administration at the subnational level to support socioeconomic and human development. He emphasized that with robust IGR processes, states could optimize revenue collection and meet development goals. He also acknowledged the efforts of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee in leading the upcoming reforms.
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Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State, represented by Mustapha Ndajiwo, the Commissioner for Budget and National Planning, shared Niger State’s success in improving its IGR. Between January and May 2024, Niger State's average monthly IGR collection rose to N2.62 billion from N1.81 billion in the same period the previous year. May 2024 alone saw a significant 45% increase in IGR.
Ndajiwo attributed this growth to strategic reforms, innovative tax collection approaches, and a focus on transparency, efficiency, and taxpayer education. He also highlighted the importance of collaboration with the Joint Tax Board to exchange ideas and best practices in tax administration and revenue optimization.
