Jerry Adams, Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS), has announced that Kaduna State is projecting an Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of about ₦85 billion by the end of 2025, as the government intensifies efforts to build a fair, transparent, and technology-driven tax administration system.
Adams disclosed this during his address at the 2025 KADIRS Tax Dialogue held on Monday in Kaduna. The theme of the event was, “Transforming Tax Administration for the Future: Navigating the Procedural and Practice Shift Signaled by the Nigerian Tax Reform Act and Enhancing Compliance into 2026 and Beyond.”
He explained that the dialogue was organised to deepen stakeholders’ understanding of the procedural shifts introduced by the Nigerian Tax Reform Act 2025 and to identify practical strategies for effective state-level implementation.
Adams noted that KADIRS had continued to improve revenue performance, rising from ₦58 billion before 2023 to ₦62 billion in 2023 and ₦71 billion in 2024. He added that the state is currently trending around ₦85 billion, driven by an average monthly collection of ₦7 billion, reflecting steady growth influenced by reforms, improved efficiency, and enhanced collaboration with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
The KADIRS boss attributed the progress to the commitment of Governor Uba Sani in infrastructure development, security, and inclusive governance—factors that have boosted public confidence and encouraged voluntary compliance. He noted that the Governor’s support has facilitated manpower expansion, improved staff welfare, and birthed technological innovations such as the PAYKADUNA portal, which has strengthened transparency and efficiency in tax administration.
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Adams also revealed that the state government has approved the establishment of a committee to review and update the Kaduna State Tax Codification and Consolidation Law to align fully with the National Tax Act before January 2026. He said insights from the dialogue—especially on legal implications, corporate communication, and implementation planning—would guide the amendment process and improve revenue mobilisation.
He commended the support of Kaduna State MDAs, technical partners including Primeguage Solutions, and national bodies such as the Joint Tax Board for their role in strengthening the state’s tax ecosystem. Adams encouraged participants to engage openly, question existing assumptions, and offer practical contributions to shape the evolution of Kaduna’s tax system for businesses, citizens, and government.
Representing Governor Sani, the Deputy Governor, Hadiza Balarabe, said building a resilient revenue system requires collective responsibility and continuous collaboration.
The Governor noted that global economic shifts are reshaping tax systems to reflect digital activity, informal sector growth, and changing labour patterns, while Nigeria’s reforms align with Kaduna’s agenda to simplify processes, reduce duplication, and place data at the centre of decision-making.
Governor Sani emphasised that taxation must not punish poverty but should draw from genuine income to ensure fairness while generating revenue needed to support schools, healthcare, rural roads, water systems, and security infrastructure. He added that trust is central to compliance, stressing that tax administration must treat citizens with respect and provide clarity rather than intimidation.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening inter-agency collaboration, building staff capacity, and prioritizing taxpayer engagement and service delivery to enhance confidence in the system. The Governor urged business leaders, financial experts, civil society, and community leaders to contribute constructively, noting that the strength of the state’s tax system depends on shared conviction and fairness.
Also speaking, Muhammad Dattijo, Deputy Governor of the Economic Policy Directorate at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), described the Nigerian Tax Reform Act as a major step toward strengthening fiscal governance and improving economic resilience. He stated that the reforms would boost non-oil revenue, expand the formal economy, and reduce reliance on deficit financing—thereby supporting monetary stability and long-term development planning.
Dattijo called on states to leverage technology and data-driven platforms to enhance efficiency and transparency in revenue collection, noting that collaboration with the private sector and financial institutions would be crucial for sustainable compliance and growth.
In his keynote presentation, Taiwo Oyedele Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, said the reforms aim to create a fair and growth-driven tax system that supports national development. He noted that the committee is working to simplify tax laws, harmonize revenue collection, and eliminate multiple taxation that burdens individuals and businesses.
Oyedele added that increased transparency, technology-based administration, and broader tax education would enable improved voluntary compliance, strengthen the business environment, and enhance government revenue.
The lead paper presenter, Bagudo Mustapha, stressed that the success of fiscal reforms depends on strong institutions, clear accountability, and unwavering political will. He warned that Nigeria’s growing reliance on borrowing for public expenditure is unsustainable and harmful to long-term development, urging stricter revenue administration and measures to block leakages.
Mustapha called for modern data systems and strengthened collaboration across government stakeholders to ensure that tax policies promote fairness, stimulate investment, and reflect the realities of the economy.
The Nigerian Tax Ombudsman, represented by Usman Ndayako, urged taxpayers to make full use of the Ombudsman’s Office for fair and amicable resolution of tax-related issues, stressing its role in promoting trust and transparency in tax administration.
Speaking virtually, Olusegun Adesokan, Executive Secretary of the Joint Tax Board (JTB), praised the Kaduna State Government and KADIRS for proactively engaging stakeholders ahead of the 2026 tax reforms, noting that such initiatives strengthen understanding and compliance within the tax ecosystem.
