The Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, has called on state governments to get ready for upcoming tax reforms.

He highlighted the importance of a strong Internal Generated Revenue system at the 155th Meeting of the Joint Tax Board in Suleja, Niger State. Dr. Adedeji stressed the need for states to optimize revenue collection for socioeconomic and human development.

“At this critical point in time, it is necessary to strengthen the fabric of our IGR capacity to ensure that the revenue administration processes, especially at the subnational level, become as efficient as possible to optimise the collection of IGR for socioeconomic and human development,” Dr. Adedeji stated.

He noted the ongoing tax reform efforts led by the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, saying, “We must begin to look ahead to how these reforms will impact revenue authorities across all government levels.”

Dr. Adedeji expressed confidence that with diligent implementation of innovative approaches, Niger State could achieve a monthly IGR target of N5 billion.

Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State, represented by Mustapha Ndajiwo, the Commissioner for Budget and National Planning, shared a case study on successful IGR improvement in the state.

Ndajiwo revealed that Niger State’s IGR saw significant growth, with an average monthly collection of N2,621,710,688.94 between January and May 2024, compared to N1,806,280,088.25 in the same period last year. May 2024 alone recorded a collection of N3,508,389,805.20, a 45 percent increase.

Ndajiwo attributed this growth to three key strategies: Niger State implemented strategic reforms and innovative approaches to tax collection, prioritized transparency, efficiency, and educating taxpayers, and actively collaborated with the Joint Tax Board.

This collaboration provides a platform for tax authorities across all government tiers to exchange ideas, best practices, and solutions to shared challenges in tax administration and revenue optimization.