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Kano Deploys Digital Tax Reforms to Improve Revenue Mobilisation
Zulaiha Danjuma
Effective tax collection is the lifeblood of any government seeking robust revenue growth. For Kano State, digital innovation has been integrated into its tax landscape through the development of digital public infrastructure (DPI). This DPI aims to improve tax revenue collection, compliance, and citizen engagement through digital solutions for all
KANO FOCUS reports, like many other Nigerian states, Kano has had its fair share of tax collection troubles. A notable reference point is the manual collection of taxes by tax office collectors from those under the informal sector category.
In 2021 to 2023, about 7.8 billion Naira was realized from 60,000 tricyclists paying a daily manual levy of 100 Naira to the then Kano State Road Traffic Agency (KAROTA) Management tax collectors. However, responsible government agencies could not account for these funds.
For Abba sani, a young cosmetics vendor, the manual tax collection system was a constant source of frustration. “I’m young, but I’ve never used any e-platform to pay taxes because I don’t know about it,” he admits, highlighting the difficulties faced by many informal taxpayers.
Hamisu Abba, a chicken seller in Kasuwar Sheka, shares Abba sani’s skepticism. “Even banks make errors with transfers, making you wait days to revert a payment. Why should I take the same risk with a tax payment that belongs to the government?” he asks, his brow furrowed with concern.
The incorporation of technology into the tax collection system, particularly for informal sectors, was taken up when the Kano State Internal Revenue Service (KIRS) started collecting daily levies from tricyclists using the Point of Sale (POS) machine in mid 2021. Despite the fact that this initiative did not last long for daily tax collection for tricyclists. This marked the beginning of Kano State’s digital tax revolution.
The Kano State Internal Revenue Service has developed two digital platforms, KIRMAS (Kano Integrated Revenue Management and Assurance System) and eeZitax, to facilitate tax payments. The KIRMAS was launched in the second quarter of 2024, while the eeZitax was launched and introduced on 2rd January of this year 2025.
These platforms enable taxpayers to register, generate invoices, and make payments online or through authorized agents.
KIRMAS has been said to be a more comprehensive system that covers various aspects of tax administration, including taxpayer registration, tax assessment, billing, payment, and reporting.
The KIRMAS which is a platform that supports the Central Billing System (CBS) has been able to standardize the billing process across all Ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) with the implementation of the Signal Central Revenue Account (SCRA) in Kano state. However, the platform has been flagged off by the KIRS to have some limitations
“The KIRMAS has a redundant database, this is a problematic issue that makes planning unachievable. The system is no longer for the current tax collection process” Isa Yakubu Yargaya, of the Revenue Accounting Department, said.
Mr. Yakubu explained that the Kano state Internal Revenue Service introduced eeZitax to address KIRMAS limitations.
“That was why eeZitax was introduced, it’s simpler to administer, users can understand it easily and data of taxpayers is secure and reliable” he added
According to Yakubu eeZitax have had commendable compliance level and reception from various corporate and other stakeholders
“The eeZitax platform has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, not only from taxpayers but also from banks and other stakeholders, thanks to the tireless efforts of the KIRS team” he stated
“We got so many compliance, roughly we can say the compliance level for the eeZitax is at 50%, there are huge numbers of tax payer registered on the platform, though I don’t have the explicit figure on hand right now, it’s huge” he said
The eeZitax, tax collection platform has been in active use now for two weeks and few days.
Despite the integration of technology in Kano’s tax payment system, including online payments, bank transfers, and invoice generation, the informal tax base has yet to benefit significantly from these digital advancements. Sadiq Muhammad Mustapha, Programme lead at the Tax Justice and Governance Platform (TJ & GP), identified low literacy levels among those in the informal sector as a major challenge.
Auwal Salisu, a textile seller in Kantin Kwari, echoes this concern. “Multiple tax collections, reliance on cumbersome hand-to-hand payments, and vulnerability to scams by impersonators posing as official tax collectors – these are the challenges we face daily.” Bello Muhammad, who sells at the Friday market in Wudil, adds, “We’re willing to pay taxes, but we need a system that’s transparent, efficient, and easy to use, most of use are not literate to use advanced systems like E-tax payment platform” he said
According to Mr. Sadiq, Oya state despite also having a large informal tax base as kano, have been able to capture peculiar concerns with that session of taxpayers by coming up with a USSD code (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) for tax payments
“Kano State can adopt this process to make it easier for informal taxpayers to deal with the issues of literacy levels and skepticism of digital tax payment platforms” he said.
However, Mr. Yakubu said the KIRS had used the USSD as a tax payment alternative for a time period spanning from 2023 to 2024.
“We used this USSD, the service is trying out a number of alternative methods of tax collection to see what suits best”
“When we rolled out the use of USSD codes we had a compliance level of 20% from the informal sector at the time” he said
To address these challenges, the Kano State Internal Revenue Service is conducting awareness campaigns and sensitization initiatives to educate taxpayers about the benefits and usage of these digital platforms. Mr. Yakubu emphasized the importance of these initiatives in promoting transparency and accountability in tax collection.
“The Kano State Internal Revenue Service is making all these reforms to make the payment process between taxpayers and the Kano state Government easy”
“This digitalization is to foster accountability and adequate revenue generation to help the government provide better public amenities to Kano state” he said.
According to Mr. Yakubu the service is also engaging and working adequately with Non-governmental Organizations to push sensitization and awareness about the benefits of digital tax payments and platforms. “We have massive sensitization outreach next week in some rural communities on this issue,” he said.
As Kano State continues to navigate the digital tax landscape, it’s essential to address the concerns of informal taxpayers. By simplifying the tax payment process, providing reliable e-tax payment options, and harmonizing taxes, the state can unlock robust revenue growth and improved citizen engagement.
The journey ahead will be long and challenging, but the potential rewards are significant. By leveraging digital public infrastructure, Kano State can create a more efficient, transparent, and inclusive tax system, ultimately improving the lives of its citizens.
This story is produced under the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Fellowship of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and Co-Develop in partnership with Kano Focus Newspaper online.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kwankwasiyya Movement has expressed concern over what it described as a disturbing pattern of judicial pronouncements across Nigeria, calling on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to urgently intervene.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, the movement’s spokesperson, Dr. Habibu Sale Mohammed, cited a recent judgment delivered by Justice Bello Kawu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, in a matter involving the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) as part of a growing trend of controversial court rulings.
According to the statement, such developments are not isolated but reflect a broader pattern in which judicial actions appear to overstep constitutional boundaries, generate conflicting orders, and raise concerns about neutrality, due process, and adherence to the rule of law.
The movement noted that similar judicial interventions have occurred in the internal affairs of major political parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC), often resulting in confusion, factional disputes, and weakened party structures.
It also expressed concern over what it described as a growing tendency for courts of coordinate jurisdiction to issue conflicting rulings on similar matters, entertain cases already under appellate review, and, in some instances, disregard principles of fair hearing and procedural integrity.
The statement warned that such trends could erode established legal doctrines, including stare decisis, thereby undermining the consistency and predictability of the legal system.
The Kwankwasiyya Movement further stated that the situation is fueling public perception that elements within the judiciary are being drawn into political contests, which could weaken confidence in the courts.
“This is a dangerous trajectory for any democracy, particularly in a country preparing for critical electoral contests,” the statement said.
The group warned that if the trend continues, it could erode trust in democratic institutions, escalate political tensions, and undermine the credibility of future elections.
It therefore called on opposition parties to unite in resisting what it described as any abuse of the judiciary aimed at undermining democratic opposition in the country.
The movement also urged stakeholders to explore lawful and peaceful measures, including engaging civil society, raising international awareness, and organising legitimate public protests where necessary.
It specifically called on the National Judicial Council to review and address concerns surrounding conflicting and controversial judicial decisions, while urging judicial officers to uphold professionalism, fairness, and due process.
The statement also cautioned political actors against resorting to forum shopping and judicial manipulation in resolving internal party disputes.
The Kwankwasiyya Movement reaffirmed its commitment to defending democratic values and advocating for a system where the rule of law prevails, justice is impartial, and the will of the people is respected.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has approved a modified Sallah durbar for the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, ahead of the forthcoming Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
KANO FOCUS reports that the approval was contained in a press statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the decision followed credible intelligence reports received through the State Security Council, indicating attempts by some individuals to create confusion and disrupt law and order during the festive period.
The government, under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, reiterated its commitment to preserving Kano’s rich cultural heritage but stressed that it would not compromise its constitutional responsibility to maintain peace and safeguard lives and property.
Following consultations with the Kano Emirate Council and other stakeholders, the government outlined specific arrangements for the celebrations.
It stated that the traditional Hawan Idi (Eid Durbar) would be conducted by the Emir from the Kofar Mata Eid Praying Ground through designated routes to Gidan Shettima, terminating at Kofar Fatalwa within the Emir’s Palace.
The Hawan Nasarawa procession, the statement added, would take place in a modified form without the use of horses.
However, the government announced the suspension of Hawan Daushe, Hawan Fanisau, and Hawan Dorayi, noting that they would be observed during subsequent Sallah celebrations.
The government directed all security agencies to intensify surveillance, ensure strict compliance with the directives, and take necessary measures to prevent any breach of peace before, during, and after the celebrations.
It also urged residents to remain calm, law-abiding, and cooperative with security agencies, while cautioning against the spread of unverified information.
The government commended security agencies for their professionalism and dedication, assuring the public of its commitment to a peaceful and hitch-free Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
It also extended best wishes to Muslims in the state for a peaceful and joyous Sallah celebration.
Bosede Olufunmi
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has deployed 1,889 personnel across Kano State to ensure smooth traffic flow and enhance safety during the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Kano Sector Commander, Idris Mohammed-Lawal, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday by the corps’ Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Labaran.
According to the statement, the special patrol operations will run from Tuesday to Sunday, with the aim of reducing road crashes, fatalities, and injuries, while ensuring free flow of traffic across the state.
Mohammed-Lawal said the deployment comprises 1,348 regular marshals and 541 special marshals who will maintain 24-hour patrol operations across the 44 local government areas of the state.
He explained that the operation would be supported by five ambulances, one heavy-duty tow truck, and 25 patrol vehicles to ensure prompt rescue services and quick clearance of obstructions on the roads.
The sector commander added that enforcement efforts would focus on common traffic violations, including speeding, dangerous overtaking, lane indiscipline, overloading, use of mobile phones while driving, seat-belt violations, and use of mechanically deficient vehicles.
He further stated that the corps would collaborate with other security and emergency agencies to ensure effective traffic control and rapid response to incidents.
“These include the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Fire Service, and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency,” he said.
Mohammed-Lawal urged motorists and members of the public to report crashes or emergencies through the FRSC toll-free number 122 or 0700-CALL-FRSC.
He also wished Muslims a peaceful Eid-el-Fitr celebration and advised motorists to obey traffic regulations, avoid speeding, and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy.
Kwankwasiyya movement raises concern over judicial rulings, urges NJC intervention
Kano Govt approves modified Sallah Durbar for Emir Sanusi
FRSC deploys 1,889 personnel in Kano for Eid-el-Fitr operations
Federal Fire Service saves N560m property in swift response to Kano truck yard outbreak
FRSC sensitises Kano drivers, transport unions on road safety ahead of Sallah
Kwaru Foundation Provides Free Eye Care to Over 1,100 Residents in Kano
K-SAFE commends Kano for timely school census, inclusion of non-formal education data
Kano to distribute 16,906 desks to primary schools in 13 LGAs
Kano disseminates 2024/2025 schools census report, records progress in girls’ enrolment
