Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has signalled a decisive shift from living off federal allocations, vowing to shore up the state’s purse through sweeping reforms in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
The governor spoke on Saturday in Kano at the induction of 120 newly recruited staff of the Kano Internal Revenue Service (KIRS), where he made it clear that the era of fiscal complacency was over. According to him, a modern revenue system must be powered by digital technology, strengthened logistics and constant capacity building.
Yusuf assured residents that every Naira raised would be judiciously applied to projects that touch lives, stressing that transparency would remain the watchword of his administration.
Dawakin-Tofa noted that the governor is placing premium value on the welfare and operational efficiency of revenue officers as a way of boosting productivity and tightening accountability.
“We’ve commenced a review of the Cost of Collection policy to achieve efficiency and sustainability,” Yusuf was quoted as saying.
In a related move, the governor disclosed plans to forward the Kano State Tax Harmonisation Bill to the State House of Assembly before the end of December for consideration and passage. The proposed legislation seeks to streamline and modernise existing tax laws, remove duplications and clearly define powers and responsibilities.
Yusuf charged the newly inducted KIRS personnel to discharge their duties with integrity, fairness and professionalism, reminding them that they are now custodians of the state’s financial lifeline.
