News
Tax Tribunal resolves 9 claims worth N10bn in Kano
By Nasir Ibrahim
The Tax Appeal Tribunal, North west zone, has resolved nine out of 13 cases received in 9 months worth over ten billion Naira.
The chairman of the Tribunal Umar Adamu disclosed this on Monday at a one day stakeholders Forum held in Kano.
He said most of the cases were judged in favour of tax payers.
Mr Adamu revealed that within nine months of its existence the tribunal have received thirteen tax cases out of which eleven are from Kano.
He explained that the Tribunal was established in 2010 in accordance with section 59 (1) of Federal Inland Revenue (FIRS) establishment act of 2007 as dispute resolutions centre between the taxpayers and tax authorities.
“The act empowered the tribunal to adjudicate on all tax disputes arising from operations of the various tax laws as spelt out in the fifth schedule to the FIRS establishment act 2007 and personal income tax amendment act 2011.
“The tribunal does not experience technicality inherent in conventional courts. An individual or corporate organizations can lodge his complaint without counsel’s representation if he was wrongly taxed within thirty days from the date on which the demand notice was made or received. However, the tribunal may entertain an appeal after the expiration of the 30 days upon satisfactory proof of the cause of the delay,” Mr Adamu said.
In his address Kano state deputy governor Nasiru Gawuna said, state government would explore avenue provided by the Tax Appeal Tribunal to ensure quick resolution of tax matters in the State.
Mr Gawuna noted that the need for timely and correct payment of tax by all taxpayers is a civic responsibility that should be encouraged at all levels.
” it is clear that all over the world, taxes, levies and charges constitute the most sustainable sources of revenue to Government for executing development projects. Where they are not paid, government has to resolve to legal options of filling cases against defaulters at the tax appeal tribunal for adjudication.
“So, as government uses revenue from tax sources to execute major programmes and projects in the areas of education, health, skills development, agriculture and infrastructure for the well being of the good people of Kano, a high sense of responsibility is developed,” Gawuna stated.
The deputy governor said it is discerning that Kano State government had taken full advantage of the jurisdiction factions of the Northwest panel of the Tax Appeal Tribunal.
Gawuna revealed thst” out of the thirteen cases inherited by the Tribunal after its inauguration on November 5th 2019, records have shown that eleven of the cases came from Kano State Government. Out of the eleven, nine cases have been amicably resolved and settled “.
Mr Gawuna directed the State Internal Revenue Service (KIRS) and Local Government revenue committees to present all unresolved revenue cases to the tribunal.
The deputy governor called on the Stakeholders to actively participate in the interaction to utilise the opportunity provided, adding that the state through its Internal revenue service would embark on sensitization campaign to create awareness on the tax appeal tribunal.
In his remarks, a former president of Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Ismaila Zakari advised federal government to reduce VAT to less than 5% so as to encourage more organisation to register.
He said if federal government reduced VAT, it would generate more revenue as many organisations not captured may voluntarily come forward to register their companies.
He observed that many companies eligible for VAT payment are not captured in the current system.
The stakeholders forum was attended by trades and professional bodies such as Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), proprietors of private schools, shareholders, clerics, contractors and management of Kano Inland Revenue Service.
Headlines
BUK probes student over alleged Facebook fraud
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The management of Bayero University, Kano (BUK) has commenced a preliminary investigation into allegations linking a person reportedly identified as one of its students to acts of online impersonation and financial misconduct circulating on social media.
In a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs, Lamara Garba, on behalf of the Registrar, the university said it had taken note of the claims being discussed in public commentary and across various online platforms.
The statement noted that BUK maintains strict standards of conduct, discipline, and character for all students throughout the duration of their studies, adding that any behaviour capable of bringing the name and reputation of the institution into disrepute is treated with the utmost seriousness.
According to the university, the alleged actions of an individual student should not be seen as a reflection of the values or character of Bayero University Kano as an institution.
“In view of the allegations, the University has commenced a preliminary inquiry to ascertain the facts surrounding the matter. The appropriate University authorities are reviewing the issue in line with the institution’s established rules and disciplinary procedures governing students’ conduct,” the statement said.
The management also commended the public-spirited efforts of Professor Farooq Kperogi and other individuals who provide financial assistance to students in need, particularly by supporting registration fees and other educational expenses.
The university noted that such acts of generosity continue to play an important role in expanding access to education and supporting deserving students.
BUK assured members of the public that if the allegations are substantiated, appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken in accordance with the university’s regulations and relevant laws.
The institution also urged the public to allow the investigative process to run its course and to refrain from speculation or the spread of unverified information.
Headlines
Gov. Yusuf relieves Kano Head of Service of appointment
Ibrahim Khalil
The Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has relieved the State Head of Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Musa, of his appointment with immediate effect.
KANO FOCUS reports that the development was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday evening by the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House Kano, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, the decision forms part of the ongoing efforts of the current administration to reposition the state civil service for greater efficiency, discipline, and improved service delivery across government institutions.
Governor Yusuf expressed appreciation to the outgoing Head of Service for his contributions and dedication to the service of Kano State during his tenure.
“We wish him the best in his future endeavours and pray for his continued success in all aspects of life,” the governor said.
The governor also directed that Hajiya Bilkisu Shehu Maimota, Permanent Secretary, Administration and General Services at the Cabinet Office, should serve as Acting Head of Service pending the appointment of a substantive replacement.
The statement further directed the outgoing Head of Service to hand over the affairs of the office to the acting Head of Service no later than Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
News
Disabled student seeks urgent fix for faulty elevator at Northwest University Kano
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A student of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) at Northwest University Kano has appealed to the university management and relevant authorities to urgently repair a faulty elevator at the institution’s city campus, saying the situation has made access to lectures extremely difficult for him and other students with disabilities.
KANO FOCUS reports that the student, Aminu Jaafar Muhammad, popularly known as Alamein, made the appeal in a post shared on social media, where he narrated the challenges he faces attending lectures at the Ado Bayero City Campus, Kofar Nassarawa.
Muhammad, a Level 300 student preparing to enter his final year, said he lives with a physical disability affecting one of his legs. According to him, the Faculty of Computing, where he studies ICT, holds lectures on the sixth to ninth floors of the campus building, while the elevator meant to provide access to the upper floors has remained out of service.
He explained that due to the faulty lift, his colleagues are forced to carry him up the stairs every day in order for him to attend classes.
“Every day my colleagues carry me from the ground floor to at least the sixth floor, which involves climbing more than 100 stairs,” he said, describing the act as a remarkable show of solidarity from fellow students.
Muhammad noted that during his first year at the university he studied at the main campus, where there were fewer stairs. In his second year, he said the elevator occasionally functioned, but when it broke down again his classmates had to assist him several times a week to reach lecture halls upstairs.
He revealed that he had earlier written to the university management requesting that lectures for his faculty be relocated either to the main campus or to lower floors of the building to make access easier. However, he said the letter, submitted over a year ago, has yet to receive a response.
The student also recalled that during a visit by Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf following a fire incident at the campus last year, a new elevator was reportedly donated to the university. According to him, the facility is yet to become operational.
While expressing appreciation to his classmates for their continued support, Muhammad said he decided to speak out because the situation affects not only him but other persons with disabilities on campus.
“I know my colleagues have never complained, but I understand that it is not easy for them. I believe raising the issue can bring change and benefit many others,” he said.
He appealed to the university management and relevant authorities to either relocate the lecture venues to accessible floors or ensure that the elevator is repaired and functioning properly.
Muhammad also called on members of the public and stakeholders to help amplify his appeal so that it reaches those in a position to address the situation.
He expressed hope that resolving the challenge would allow him and other affected students to focus on their studies without unnecessary physical barriers.
