Headlines
Why Kano revenue drops in two years
Nasiru Yusuf
The Director Personal Income at Kano Internal Revenue Service (KIRS), Malam Muhammad Aminu Abdullahi Bichi has attributed the drop in the Internally Generated Revenue in the state from 2020 to the year 2021 to COVID-19 pandemic.
KANO FOCUS reports that the director revealed this during a Tax Summit – Citizens Session organised by PERL FCDO in collaboration with Tax Justice and Governance Platform held in Kano metropolis.
He recalled that the pandemic has affected not only the country, but global economy.
The director explained that this necessitated the state government to introduce Covid-19 tax relief to cushion the effect of the pandemic.
According to him, many taxes were reduced to as low as 50 per cent to support businesses to recover from the impact of the disease.
Participants
“Last year, we experienced COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 has affected the economy not even in Kano State, but globally.
“This led to Covid-19 tax relief where certain percentage of tax was reduced.
“Some were reduced to 50 per cent and some were reduced to 25 per cent.
“I believe these are some of the factors that led to drop of collection. But with economic recovery from Covid-19, believe things will definitely improve,” Malam Bichi said.
Participants
The director expressed optimism that with the introduction of Treasury Single Account, the state revenue would bounce back to its former status.
“There is hope bearing in mind the implementation of Treasury Single Account where all authorised tax collected by MDAs will be sent to single account,” he said.
The patron of Danbatta Traders Association Lawan Dangaji Danbatta appealed to Kano state government to provide basic infrastructure in markets and business places to encourage traders to pay their promptly.
Alhaji Lawan Dangaji Danbatta
In his remarks, the state team leader Partnership to Engage, Reform and Learn (PERL), Isa Surajo, said the meeting was to bring citizens and all stakeholders in tax-related matters under one roof to brainstorm and forge a way forward.
Malam Isa Surajo
“Tax provides resources for government to provide development. Once the government is struggling to get money that will be used to improve the lives of the citizens, it becomes so challenging.
“One of the strategies, we believe is to get those who pay the tax to get involved on how best these resources could be raised, so that social services and other development required by the citizens would be provided by the government.
“Of recent, we have noticed how budget deficit has been affecting the development of Kano State and Nigeria.
“But by getting citizens to participate to talk about the tax and how best to raise the tax for the government, we will get enough money to get children to school and make sure basic healthcare delivery services are provided.
“This is because it is only when you have educated and healthy citizens, the development is ensured,” Malam Surajo said.
Presenting a paper entitled: ‘Challenges and Opportunities of IGR in Kano State: Preliminary Findings,’ Abdulsalam Muhammad Kani, identified poor capacity of tax collectors and high cost of tax collection as major challenges of tax collection in the state.
Other challenges identified, according to Kani, include non punishment or sanction of tax defaulters, inadequate oversight by the legislature on tax issues and failure to create more departments in the Kano Inland Revenue Service (KIRS).
The first Kano tax summit is an avenue to broaden the discourse on taxation and to explore issues such as tax policies and practices, emerging development in the tax system and implication for resourcing public service delivery and development.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A former Governor of Kano State Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has commended the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for ordering a fresh investigation into the disappearance of activist and lecturer Abubakar Idris Dadiyata.
KANO FOCUS reports that Kwankwaso made the remarks in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Saturday following recent testimony by a former aide to an ex-state governor, who allegedly claimed that police officers were responsible for Dadiyata’s disappearance in Kaduna.
Dadiyata, a lecturer and social media commentator, was abducted in 2019, and his whereabouts have remained unknown since then.
According to Kwankwaso, he and his associates have consistently advocated for a thorough investigation into the incident and for those responsible to be brought to justice.
He described the Inspector-General’s directive for a comprehensive investigation as a “decisive and long-overdue action,” expressing hope that the process would uncover the truth behind the disappearance.
The former governor also urged police authorities to place individuals named in the allegations under close surveillance to prevent interference with the investigation.
Kwankwaso further called on the government to ensure that Dadiyata, if found alive, and his family receive adequate compensation for the trauma and hardship they have endured over the years.
He commended members of the public for sustaining advocacy efforts on the case and also praised Abba Hikima Fagge for what he described as his important role in the latest developments surrounding the investigation.
Kwankwaso expressed optimism that the renewed probe would ultimately deliver truth and justice in the case.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced that its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) remains unchanged, reaffirming its commitment to stability in Nigeria’s domestic energy market.
In a statement issued by Esan Sunday, Head of Media Relations, Branding and Communication, the company said sustaining the current price reflects its efforts to cushion the broader economy against external shocks. It noted that by absorbing prevailing cost pressures, the refinery is helping to moderate inflationary risks, promote energy affordability, and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply amid ongoing global uncertainties.
The company reiterated its dedication to the steady supply of high-quality petroleum products to the Nigerian market, while aligning with national objectives of price stability and energy security.
It also urged the public to rely solely on official communications from the refinery for accurate and up-to-date information regarding its operations and pricing.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo on his emergence as the Deputy Governor of Kano State following his swearing-in on Tuesday.
KANO FOCUS reports that Garo was sworn in by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after being nominated to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Garo’s appointment as a positive step toward strengthening unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
The President noted that the 48-year-old politician has held several public offices, including Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He also served as the APC governorship running mate in the 2023 general elections.
Tinubu commended Governor Yusuf for the appointment, urging political stakeholders in the state to rally behind the administration to ensure stability and progress.
He also called on the new deputy governor to work closely with the governor in delivering effective leadership and accelerating development in Kano State.
The President wished Garo success in his new role.
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