Gombe Leverages Technology to Boost IGR, Targets N22bn in 2024

Segun Awofadeji in Gombe

The Gombe state government at the weekend highlighted its strategic vision to reduce reliance on external funding sources and foster self-sufficiency through Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

The state Governor, Muhammad Yahaya, gave the hint when the management team of the Gombe State Internal Revenue Service (GIRS), led by the newly appointed Chairman, Aisha Yaro,  paid a courtesy visit on him in his office.

While receiving the team, the governor expressed his confidence in the leadership of GIRS, and assured them of his support towards fulfilling their mandate.

“We envision a state that can meet the needs of its people without relying on national allocation,” Yahaya declared, expressing his confidence in the GIRS’ leadership.

He added: “I have confidence in you and I believe you can successfully deliver on the mandates given to you”, urging the new Executive Chairman of the GIRS to brace up and perform beyond expectations.

Speaking shortly after the meeting, the newly appointed chairperson of the GIRS, pledged to deliver beyond expectation.
“With all the support of the governor and the government, we should expect increased revenue and the people of Gombe State should expect improved service deliver from us,” she said.

Yaro explained that the service has exceeded its target in 2023 by a remarkable 15 per cent, generating an all-time highest IGR of over N15 billion for the state.

“The service has raised the bar for revenue generation; we have set up an ambitious target of N22 billion for the year 2024 – a significant 100 per cent increase from the previous target”, she noted.

She assured that the service will intensify efforts around its core functions of tax assessment, collection, and remittance to the government, deploying modern technology for more efficiency and accountability while bolstering revenue generation despite national economic challenges.

The chairperson emphasised that tax revenue plays a crucial role in supporting vital development projects and controlling externalities, citing how effective revenue collections in other states help improve their IGR for financial independence.

Recognising the critical role of the media in public education and awareness, the chairperson expressed her readiness to partner with the home-based media outfits in the area of public education.

“We aim to work hand-in-hand with the media to educate the public about the importance of taxation and its role in funding essential public services,” she said.

She acknowledged public concerns regarding potential tax mismanagement, but assured residents that GIRS is committed to absolute transparency inline with the governor’s policies and reforms.

The chairperson also unveiled plans to facilitate a seamless tax collection process,  including offering online tax payment options and establishing more tax offices throughout the state.

“To bolster trust and efficiency, we plan to leverage modern technology for enhanced revenue collection,” she announced.

While highlighting the importance of comprehensive data for effective revenue collection, she said the GIRS plans to conduct a taxpayers’ enumeration exercise, noting that the goal is to project Gombe as a leader in tax collection in the North-east.