Headlines
Kano generates over N2bn IGR monthly – official

Nasiru Yusuf
Kano State Internal Revenue Service (KIRS) said it is generating over two billion Naira Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) monthly.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Director Planning, Research and Statistics of the service , Alhaji Garba Yusuf Abubakar made revealed this during a sensitization session with MTRS, TWG and PWDs on the new tax policy and MTRS communication strategy, supported by PERL/ECP, in Kano.

Alhaji Garba Yusuf Abubakar
The director attributed the feat to the support of the Kano state government under the able leadership of Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
He however identified absence of robust medium term revenue strategy (MTRS), as major hindrance to tax collection in the state.

According to him, Kano state government was committed to improving voluntary tax compliance, which resulted in the introduction of various tax reform initiatives by successive governments, which has not yielded positive results.

Cross section of participants at the event
The director stressed that, during the 2022 medium term revenue strategy retreat, a committee was established to develop a zero draft tax policy, communication strategy and training plan to improve tax compliance and reduce over dependence on federal transfers.
He said the twenty member committee is headed by KIRS chairman Alhaji Abdulrazak Bello Salihu, while the special adviser to Kano state governor Alhaji Habibu Sale Mailemo served as co-chairman.
He explained that, if implemented MTRS would go a long way in improving Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) mobilization, and better coordination among revenue generating ministries and departments.

Cross section of participants at the event.
In his presentation titled ‘Tax clinic concept and strategy, a lecturer with the department of Economics, Sa’adatu Rimi college of education Kano, who doubles as Executive Director FIDAC, Dr. Abdulsalam Kani, hinted that more than $500 billion dollars is lost globally due to tax avoidance annually.

Dr Abdussalam Muhammad Kani
He said over $200 billion of this was from developing countries including Nigeria, noting that tax payers’ inadequate knowledge on why tax is levied and its compliance procedure is the major catalyst to the avoidable huge loss.
Presenting a paper tagged ‘ The rudiments of the Kano tax policy and the expected citizens roles, Comrade Akibu Hamisu of Kano budget working group added that, the new kano tax policy would protect tax payers from unfair tax, and serve as a reference point to all stakeholders among others.

Comrade Akibu Hamisu
Earlier in his welcome address, the state partnership facilitator of PERL (ECP), Alhaji Yunusa Hamza explained that, the objectives of the session is to enhance the understanding of trade unions and tax paying constituents, on the new kano state tax policy as well as improve advocacy for improved accountability, and transparency in tax administration.

Malam Yunusa Hamza
While charging participants to make judicious use of the knowledge gained, he reaffirmed PERL(ECP) dedication in promoting good governance and accountability.
KANO FOCUS reports that, Partnership to Engage Reform and Learn PERL/ECP is a governance programme funded by the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth Development Office. (FCDO).

Headlines
Namadi Sambo commends Gov. Yusuf for declaring state of emergency on education

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Former Vice President, Architect Muhammad Namadi Sambo, has commended the Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his bold decision to declare a state of emergency on education in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that Sambo, who paid a condolence visit to Governor Yusuf over the death of renowned business mogul and elder statesman, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, expressed admiration for the administration’s commitment to infrastructural renewal.
This was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Monday.
“As an architect, I am particularly passionate about the ongoing rehabilitation and beautification of the Kano Government House,” Sambo noted.

“I was very happy and have been looking forward to the opportunity to commend you in person.”
He described the Governor’s efforts as “giant strides,” adding that the infrastructural transformation under the Yusuf-led administration is evident across Kano.
“Mr. Governor, you are doing well,” the former Vice President added. “I have been following the news, and on my arrival to Kano, I personally noticed the impressive infrastructural developments everywhere. You have effectively turned the Government House into a construction site.”
Governor Yusuf thanked the former Vice President for his visit and words of encouragement, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to restoring Kano’s glory through purposeful governance and people-oriented projects.
His Excellency Namadi Sambo was in cimpany of Chairman Unity Bank, former Director General of NEMA Muhammad Sani Sidi and a host of others.
In another development, Sen. Abubakar Sani Bello led another powerful delegation to condole with the Governor and the good people of Kano over the death of late Alhaji Amunu Dantata.
The former Governor of Niger state was accompanied by Sen. Bashir Garba Lado, Sen. Muhammad Ibn Na’Allah, Alhaji Muhammad Sani Abacha among others.

Headlines
AGILE Kano takes awareness campaign on Gender-Based Violence to schools

The Adolescent Girls Initiative For Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project has organized a sensitization workshop for Gender-Based Violence (GBV) clubs in 50 secondary schools across Kano State.
KANO FOCUS reports that that ten students, who were selected from each participating school, received the training on understanding GBV, preventive measures, and appropriate actions to take when faced with such situations.
Speaking at the closing of the training on Friday, Bashir Kabir Rabi’u, the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) officer of the AGILE Project in Kano State, said the workshop was aimed at raising awareness among female students on how to recognize and avoid GBV, as well as how to respond effectively if it occurs.

“This workshop brought together 50 school-based clubs established to fight GBV.
“We trained 10 students from each school to equip them with knowledge about gender-based violence,” he stated.
Rabi’u noted that the awareness campaign is part of efforts to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment for students.
He explained that the AGILE Project, which is supported by the World Bank in collaboration with the Kano State Ministry of Education, facilitated the program.
In her remarks, the Principal of Kukar Bulikiya Girls Secondary School, Hannatu Ado Gwaram, commended the AGILE program for organizing the training.
She pledged that the school would continue sensitizing students on ways to avoid becoming victims of GBV.
KANO FOCUS reports that the event also featured drama presentations and educative plays aimed at driving home the message of gender-based violence prevention.

Headlines
PLANE partners Kano govt to develop MTSS for education sector

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Partnership For Learning For All in Nigeria (PLANE) in collaboration with Kano state government has commenced a 5-day workshop to develop a 2026-2028 Medium-Term Sector Strategy (MTSS) aimed at enhancing quality education.
KANO FOCUS reports that the workshop brings together stakeholders from the Ministry of Education, Budget and Planning, Finance, Development Partners, and Civil Society Organisations.
Speaking at the occasion, Commissioner of Education Dr Ali Haruna Makoda said Kano State Government has allocated 31.5% of its 2025 budget to boost quality education in the state.
According to him the budgetary allocation is part of a strategic plan to achieve quality education through due process and implementation.

Dr. Makoda emphasised the importance of strategic planning and implementation in achieving better results in the education sector.
He urged participants to implement what they would learn for the betterment of the state education sector.

Participants at the occasion
The Technical Adviser to the Governor on Education Reforms, Haladu Mohammed, explained that the workshop would create a solid foundation for a 3-year education plan to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people in the state.
This initiative demonstrates the Kano State Government’s commitment to improving the education sector, aligning with its recent efforts to enhance education quality.
