Tax Justice Advocates for Tax Reforms in Kano
By Mustapha Salisu
The Tax Justice and Governance Platform (TJ&GP) Kano Chapter recently paid an advocacy visit to the Kano State Internal Revenue Service (KIRS) to discuss and address tax-related issues in the state.
On Wednesday, a delegation led by Sadik Muhammad Mustapha, Program Lead for TJ&GP Kano, comprising of representatives from Follow Taxes, Dispute Resolution & Development Initiative (formerly DAG) and Association of Nigerian Women Business Network (ANWBN) met with the Executive Chairman of KIRS, Dr. Zayd Abubakar.
Mustapha emphasized that the purpose of the visit was to foster collaboration with KIRS, noting that TJ&GP has been implementing several initiatives nationwide, with KIRS being one of their key partners, particularly in capacity-building training, awareness campaigns, and radio shows.
He acknowledged KIRS’s role in developing the Grievance, Redress, and Complaint Mechanism (GRMs) Channel, which has been instrumental in ensuring effective communication between taxpayers and the tax community.
Mustapha also mentioned that TJ&GP is currently implementing a project in collaboration with Christian Aid Nigeria (CAID), aimed at ensuring the platform’s maximum effectiveness and the efficient implementation of the codification and harmonization law.
On his part, Haliru Ahmed Khalifa, Lead Director of Follow Taxes, further elaborated on their partnership. As one of the implementing partners of the IBP project in Kano and Taraba, he explained that the project focuses on using fiscal policies to boost domestic resource mobilization.
In Kano, their efforts are aligned with those of TJ&GP and Christian Aid to create plans that address the state’s specific needs and enhance the suitability of the program for KIRS.
Khalifa emphasized the need for a synergistic partnership to streamline tax collection in a manner that is fair, accountable, and equitable, while also blocking revenue leakages stressing the importance of developing a comprehensive work plan to achieve these common goals.
In response, Dr. Zayd Abubakar, Executive Chairman of KIRS, noted that many of the programs discussed have already been conceptualized by KIRS and are on the verge of implementation.
He highlighted the Central Billing System (CBS) as a key initiative that will harmonize tax collection in the state, with full implementation expected by the end of September.
Dr. Zayd also emphasized the importance of the Single Central Revenue Account (SCRA), designed to prevent revenue leakages in the state. “As revenue administrators, you have to think 1,000 times ahead of revenue saboteurs,” he stated.
He called for continued advocacy, support, and funding from TJ&GP, expressing confidence that their ongoing collaboration will greatly aid in achieving the innovative tax reform ideas already in progress.
Dr. Zayd expressed hope that this partnership will lead to the successful implementation of these reforms, setting the stage for a smoother transition into 2025.
