From Abdulrazaq Mungadi, Gombe
The Gombe State Internal Revenue Service (GIRS) has announced that it exceeded its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) target for the first half of 2025 by 13.6 percent, collecting more than projected between January and June.
According to a statement issued by the Head of Corporate Communications Department of the Service, Faruk Muazu Gombe, the achievement underscores its “renewed drive toward financial sustainability, transparency, and digital transformation” under the leadership of its Executive Chairperson, Aisha Adamu.
Adamu attributed the feat to reforms that blocked revenue leakages, extensive staff training, and a deliberate push toward digital tax administration. She highlighted that GIRS is now ranked fourth in Nigeria on digital tax platforms, reflecting its investment in automation and taxpayer self-service portals.
She said, “This achievement is not mine alone but a collective effort. We have shown that with the right leadership, teamwork, and vision, no target is beyond reach”.
The statement further noted plans to expand the tax net, leverage data analytics for efficient audits, and strengthen collaboration with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to boost revenue harmonisation. Adamu appreciated Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for his support, assuring that revenues would be used for the prosperity of the state.
However, reacting to the development, civil society leaders say the milestone raises important questions about accountability.
Ibrahim Yusuf, Team Lead of the Advocacy Center for Development (AC4D) and Chairman of the Gombe Network of Civil Society Organisations (GONET), stated that while citizens are paying more in taxes, the dividends remain invisible.
“Since 2023, new tax laws and amendments have raised the burden on citizens. People must begin to ask how these revenues are spent. Without pressure from citizens, leaders will continue business as usual, and development will stall,” Ibrahim said.
He urged citizens to scrutinise project execution and compare results with budgetary allocations. “Demanding value for money means visiting project sites, examining quality against costs, and raising questions where discrepancies exist,” he said.
He also disclosed that GONET is planning advocacy and sensitisation campaigns across traditional and social media to empower citizens to demand accountability in line with rising taxation.
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