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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.
Ibrahim Khalil
Residents of Tsakuwa community in Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area of Kano State have honoured 11 individuals for their outstanding contributions to the development of the town.
KANO FOCUS reports that the awards were presented during the 6th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Tsakuwa Mufarka Sustainable Development Association, held on Sunday at Central Primary School, Tsakuwa.
Among those honoured were the traditional ruler of the community, Sarkin Tsakuwa, Alhaji Isma’ila Santali Tsakuwa; the Chairman of the Tsakuwa Mufarka Sustainable Development Association, Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan Tsakuwa; and a retired headmaster of Central Primary School, Tsakuwa, Alhaji Mahmuda Shehu, who continues to offer voluntary teaching services to pupils in the community.
Also recognised was Alhaji Umar Muhammad Banupe, a Nupe businessman who settled in Tsakuwa and has become an integral part of the community. He was honoured for his significant contributions to the town’s development.
Alhaji Umar Muhammad Banupe receiving a certificate
Other award recipients included the Chairman of the Northwest Development Commission, Professor Shehu Abdullahi Ma’aji (Garkuwan Tsakuwa); the Commander of the Gombe State Hisbah Command, Malam Rabiu Idris; media practitioner Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim of Abubakar Rimi Television Corporation (ARTV); the founder of Tsakuwa Mufarka Sustainable Development Association, Malam Ibrahim Almustapha Sani; and Sulaiman Salisu Babah, among others.
Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan presenting a certificate to Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Speaking at the event, the Sarkin Tsakuwa, Alhaji Isma’ila Santali Tsakuwa, commended the leadership of the association for its commitment to community development and urged members to sustain their efforts toward improving the welfare of residents.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the association, Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan Tsakuwa, said the non-partisan organisation had prioritised interventions in education, security, and healthcare.
He appealed to members of the community to sustain their monthly financial contributions to enable the association to continue implementing development projects.
Earlier, a member of the association, Malam Abdullahi Wagadi, disclosed that the group generated ₦6.56 million through members’ monthly contributions over the past year.
According to him, the association spent ₦3.84 million on allowances for volunteer teachers and vigilantes, ₦564,000 on fencing the Eid prayer ground, and ₦1.255 million on the renovation of the community police outpost.
He further stated that ₦356,000 was spent on supporting Tsakuwa Model Primary School, ₦430,000 on scholarships for students, ₦700,000 on instructional materials, and ₦50,000 on health assistance for vulnerable residents.
Association Raises Over ₦2.1 Million at AGM
A major highlight of the AGM was the fundraising session, during which the association raised ₦2.143 million from philanthropists and community stakeholders.
Leading the donations was Alhaji Umar Muhammad Banupe, who contributed ₦500,000. He was followed by Hon. Mustapha Bala Dawaki, who also donated ₦500,000, while Hon. Abdulmumin Tijjani, popularly known as Mai POS, donated ₦200,000.
Other donors included the Sarkin Tsakuwa, Alhaji Isma’ila Santali Tsakuwa, who donated ₦100,000; the association’s chairman, Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan Tsakuwa, ₦200,000; Professor Shehu Abdullahi Ma’aji Garkuwan Tsakuwa), ₦100,000; and Malam Rabiu Idris, who also contributed ₦100,000.
The event attracted community leaders, stakeholders, and residents who commended the association for its contributions to grassroots development and pledged continued support for its programmes.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Health journalists in Kano State have inaugurated a new professional body, the Kano Health Journalists Network (KAHJON), aimed at strengthening media reporting and advocacy on Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) and Primary Health Care (PHC).
KANO FOCUS reports that the network was launched during an Alignment, Coordination, Monitoring and Implementation meeting of media coalitions on gender-responsive RMNCAH and PHC, organised by the International Society of Media in Public Health (ISMPH) in Kano.
During the inauguration, journalists unanimously elected Khadijah Aliyu of Radio Nigeria as Chairperson of the newly established network.
Other members of the executive committee include Mustapha Hodi Adamu of People Daily Newspaper as Vice Chairperson, Abdullahi Hassan of ARTV as Secretary, and Mustapha Salisu of Prime Times as Public Relations Officer.
Speaking at the event, the Programme Director of ISMPH, Mr. Solomon Dogo, said the establishment of KAHJON would help unify existing health reporting groups and improve media coverage of critical public health issues, including polio eradication, nutrition, maternal health, and primary healthcare services.
He congratulated the newly elected executives and expressed confidence that the network would enhance collaboration among media practitioners while strengthening health advocacy efforts in the state.
Dogo noted that similar health journalists’ networks are already operating in Lagos and Kaduna states, adding that development partners remain committed to supporting initiatives that promote public health advocacy.
Also speaking, ISMPH Programme Officer in Kano, Hajiya Sabuwa Yahaya, said the platform would improve coordination among journalists, enhance access to health information, and strengthen evidence-based reporting on health issues.
According to her, the network will also provide a stronger platform for advocacy and engagement with government institutions, development partners, and local communities.
The inauguration ceremony attracted goodwill messages from several development partners, including the Integrated Budget and Policy (IBP), LISDEL, CCSI, SANDHEF, and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI).
Representatives of the Kano State Ministry of Health, the Drug Management and Consumables Supply Agency, and the Kano State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency also attended the event.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which formally established the Kano Health Journalists Network and marked the beginning of a new chapter in health journalism and advocacy in the state.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A House of Representatives aspirant for the Kura/Madobi/Garun Malam Federal Constituency under the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Alhaji Mahmud Tijjani Kura, has withdrawn his candidature and defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
KANO FOCUS reports that the development was disclosed on Saturday by a prominent APC chieftain, Alhaji Aliyu Lawan Dambatta, popularly known as Majidadin Dambatta.
According to Majidadin Dambatta, he led a delegation alongside the former aspirant to a meeting with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, during which Kura formally announced his decision to join the APC.
Majidadin Dambatta described the defection as a significant boost to the ruling party, noting that it would further strengthen the APC’s unity and political structure ahead of future elections.
He said the party remained committed to working collectively for the progress and development of Kano State and the country.
The APC stalwart welcomed Kura back into the party and expressed confidence that he would make meaningful contributions to its growth and the welfare of the people.
The defection is expected to add a new dimension to the political landscape in Kano State as parties continue to realign ahead of future electoral contests.
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Kano health journalists launch Network to strengthen health reporting, advocacy
NDC House of Representatives aspirant defects to APC in Kano
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