Kano targets N100bn revenue in 2025

From Desmond Mgboh, Kano

The Kano State Internal Revenue Service (KIRS) has set a revenue target of over N100 billion for the 2025 financial year, surpassing the N75 billion target assigned by the state government.

Speaking at the KIRS Annual Performance Review 2024 and Strategic Planning for 2025, the Executive Chairman of the Service, Zaid Abubakar, expressed confidence that Kano could soon join the league of states generating N300 billion and above annually.

“Kano is a major commercial hub with five thriving local and international markets, as well as a leading agricultural center. With the right policies and reforms, we are optimistic about achieving this milestone in the coming years,” he stated.

To bolster revenue generation, Abubakar disclosed that the state government has approved a comprehensive review of all tax and revenue laws, which is expected to be completed before the end of the first quarter of 2025.

“We have to rewrite the laws because approval has been given by His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, which we hope to implement before the end of the first quarter of this year,” he revealed.

He emphasised that Kano’s existing tax laws are outdated and must be modernized to enhance efficiency, expand the tax base, and align with evolving economic realities.

Also speaking at the event, thrbSpecial Adviser to the Governor on Revenue, Ibrahim Barde, urged the KIRS to tackle key challenges affecting revenue collection in the state.

“The state government is exploring new revenue streams, including the introduction of an agricultural produce revenue system,” Barde stated.

He added that with the state’s strategic economic position and the government’s renewed focus on tax reforms, the state is poised to significantly boost its internally generated revenue (IGR), paving the way for stronger fiscal sustainability and economic growth.