By Mustapha Salisu
The Tax Justice and Governance Platform (TJ&GP), Kano Chapter, has engaged the Chairman of Rano Local Government Area, Malam Muhammad Naziru Ya’u, in a dialogue aimed at promoting the Tax-for-Service Charter of Demand and addressing revenue leakages within the LGA.
While receiving the delegation, Chairman Ya’u emphasized his his administration has commenced discussions with the Kano State Internal Revenue Service (KIRS) to tackle revenue leakages within the local government.
He emphasized his administration’s commitment to enhancing internally generated revenue (IGR) of the local government in line with global best practices.
“We are taking proactive steps to enhance our revenue base. Apart from LGAs within the metropolitan area and its environs that have established tax systems, many others still struggle to standardize theirs,” he said.
Ya’u further revealed that Rano LGA recorded remarkable success in this year’s Hajj operations, producing the highest number of pilgrims nationwide and securing first place in the pre-Hajj training exercise across all LGAs. According to him, the success was largely funded by revenue generated from a single sector dedicated to the welfare of intending pilgrims.
“In Rano, we have put structures in place for an effective and sustainable tax collection system. Since we assumed office, we have been remodeling the main market, including fencing it, installing gates, and establishing a security post,” he added.
The Chairman also urged market leaders to sensitize their members on the importance of tax payment, which he noted is crucial for achieving tax-for-service goals. He pledged to consider the recommendations of the Tax Justice and Governance Platform.
Speaking earlier, Madam Grace from the National Orientation Agency (NOA) told the Chairman that part of the advocacy effort is to encourage Rano LGA to embrace the Tax-for-Service model as a sustainable strategy for addressing revenue shortfalls.