Economy
Kyari’s digital automation of operations, key to NNPC Ltd’s efficiency, high performance
Kyari’s digital automation of operations, key to NNPC Ltd’s efficiency, high performance
By Admin
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited and the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Malam Mele Kyari, have won the 2023 Nigeria GovTech Awards for exceptional service delivery in the public sector.
While the National Oil Company won the Best Federal MDA in Digital Initiatives in Reengineering Government Processes Award, the GCEO carted home the Distinguished GovTech Trailblazer Award.
The awards were in recognition of the GCEO leadership’s proactive steps in activating the Business Continuity Plan (BCP) that is hinged on digital automation of the company’s processes.
The single, sure-footed act of automation, emplaced to, among others, mitigate the effects of COVID-19, has brought about efficiency, high performance, and sustenance of the NNPC Ltd’s operations post-pandemic, for which the GCEO is now referred to as “Mr. Automation” in the industry.
Significantly, the GCEO, through the NNPC IT Division, automated Key Performance Indicator Dashboard across the entire IT Enterprise and Architecture, thereby improving reporting efficiency real-time performance tracking.
Kyari also activated Microsoft Enterprise Additional Licenses for NNPC Digital Transformation initiatives, leading to an estimated cost-saving of over $1 million to the Company.
Indeed, both the NNPC Ltd. and the GCEO shone like a thousand stars at the venue of the awards at the International Conference Centre on October 13, 2023. The event had as its theme “Advancing Public Service Reforms Through Digital Transformation.”
The Nigeria GovTech Awards were given by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), an agency under the Presidency in aid of federal government’s initiative designed to bring governments at the federal, state, local levels, and actors in the technology industry together to discuss and identify new ways and emerging trends in which ICT could be used to transform public service and improve the general well-being of Nigerians.
In clinching the award, the NNPC Ltd. and its GCEO, Malam Kyari outclassed several other contestants in the public sector even as it was clear that the BPSR selection process was anchored on merit, thus strengthening the credibility of the selection process and the subsequent awards.
The DG of BPSR, Dasuki Arabi had commended Mele Kyari’s deployment of technology in driving business at the NNPC Ltd in addition to his exemplary leadership in advancing GovTech initiatives and digital governance within the nation’s oil conglomerate, in line with the Federal Government digital transformation in the public sector.
It would be recalled that prior to the presentation of the awards, Mr. Arabi had, in a letter dated 19th September 2023 to the NNPC Ltd’s GCEO, said that “Sequel to a nationwide nomination and online voting process initiated on Radio, Television and Newspaper publication, we are pleased to inform you that your organisation will be honoured with the prestigious Nigeria GovTech Award in the category of ‘Best Federal: MDA in digital initiatives in reengineering government processes’.”
Arabi had also said that the awards represented a veritable platform aimed at repositioning the Nigerian public service as an engine of reforms in the country.
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Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has called on Northern states to strengthen collaboration in implementing tax reforms and digital transformation to boost revenue generation and ensure sustainable development.
Yusuf made the call on Wednesday at the second day of 2025 Northern Revenue Conference held in Kano.
The conference, with the theme “Readiness, Reforms, and Digital Transformation,” brought together policymakers, fiscal experts, and revenue administrators from across the northern states to discuss emerging trends in tax administration.
Represented by the Commissioner for Planning and Budget, Alhaji Musa Shanono, the Governor said effective revenue management remained central to good governance and economic growth.
He said his administration had prioritised fiscal reforms and digital innovation to improve transparency, efficiency, and accountability in public finance.
Yusuf commended the Kano State Internal Revenue Service (KIRS) for its progress under the leadership of Dr. Zaid Abubakar, describing it as a model for other states to emulate.
He said the enactment of the 2025 Nigerian Tax Laws had ushered in a new era in the country’s fiscal policy, encouraging states to embrace innovation and technology in tax administration.
Yusuf added, “The new framework compels us to think more strategically, collaborate more effectively and act more decisively.
“We must expand our fiscal frontiers beyond traditional boundaries and harness the potential of the informal sector, SMEs, and the growing digital economy.”
He emphasised integrity and accountability as the foundation of effective governance, saying:
“Integrity is fundamental in whatever we do. When it is missing, energy and intelligence are wasted,” he said.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Kano State Internal Revenue Service (KIRS), Dr Zaid Abubakar, has called on state revenue agencies to embrace digital innovations and institutional reforms to enhance efficiency and transparency in tax administration.
He said the era of manual processes and guesswork in tax administration had passed, stressing the need for precision, digital competence and strong leadership in driving fiscal reforms.
“The 2025 reform agenda requires us to be strategic, data-driven and technology-oriented.
“The era of guesswork in tax administration is over. We must move towards systems that ensure accountability, accuracy and convenience for taxpayers,” he said.
The KIRS Chairman urged participants to use the conference as a platform to share ideas, strengthen collaboration and build networks that would promote a more efficient and taxpayer-friendly revenue system across the northern states.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Kano State Government to continue investing in digital transformation and capacity building to support sustainable revenue growth and fiscal stability
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Yusuf stated this on Tuesday while declaring open the 2025 Northern Revenue Conference held in Kano.
The conference, with the theme “Readiness, Reforms, and Digital Transformation”, was attended by revenue administrators, policymakers, and fiscal experts from across the Northern states.
Represented by the Commissioner for Planning and Budget, Alhaji Musa Shanono, he said the event was significant to his administration, adding that effective revenue management remained the engine room of governance.
Yusuf said the state government’s programmes and projects across the state would not have been possible without the commitment and efficiency of revenue-generating institutions.
The Governor expressed appreciation for the progress recorded by KIRS under the leadership of Dr Zaid Abubakar, describing it as a model of innovation and transparency in public finance administration.
He stated that the enactment of the 2025 Nigerian Tax Laws marked a new chapter in the nation’s fiscal history, creating opportunities to build a fair, transparent, and digitally driven tax system.
Yusuf said, “This new framework compels us to think more strategically, collaborate more effectively and act more decisively.
“We must expand our fiscal frontiers beyond traditional boundaries and harness the vast potential that lies within our informal economy, SMEs, and the growing digital ecosystem.”
The governor explained that since assuming office in May 2023, his administration had embarked on a vision to build a self-reliant, digitally enabled, and revenue-resilient Kano State.
He said the transformation of the revenue system was made possible through partnerships, reforms, and institutional strengthening of the Kano State Internal Revenue Service.
“According to the latest National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report, Kano State recorded a 100 per cent increase in Internally Generated Revenue within one year, ranking it among the top-performing states in the country,”
Yusuf said.
The governor also emphasised the importance of integrity and accountability in public service.
He added: “Integrity is fundamental in whatever we do. When it is missing, energy and intelligence are wasted.
$That is what Kano State has enjoyed integrity in governance and public service.”
Earlier, the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr Zacch Adedeji, said the agency remained committed to implementing far-reaching tax reforms and digital transformation aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s fiscal system.
Represented by the Secretary, Joint Tax Board (JTB), Mr Adesokan Olusegun, Adedeji said the conference provided a vital platform for engaging stakeholders.
According to him, it will do provide an ample opportunity to conduct technical reviews of the newly enacted tax laws to ensure smooth transition and implementation across all tiers of government.
“This forum represents a milestone in our collective journey towards building a transparent, technology-driven, and fair tax administration system,” he said.
Also speaking , the Chairman, Kano State Internal Revenue Service (KIRS), Dr Zaid Abubakar, urged state revenue agencies to adopt digital transformation and institutional reforms in line with Nigeria’s evolving tax system.
He said the 2025 reforms required precision, digital competence and bold leadership to enhance efficiency and service delivery, adding that the era of guesswork in tax administration is over.
The KIRS boss urged the participants to use the forum to exchange ideas and strengthen collaboration for a more efficient and taxpayer-friendly system.
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KIRS
The Executive Chairman of the Kano Internal Revenue Service (KIRS), Dr Zaid Abubakar, says the agency is targeting higher revenue generation through improved customer relations and service delivery.
Abubakar stated this in Kano on Friday during activities marking the 2025 Customer Service Week, which focused on promoting stronger engagement between the service and taxpayers.
Represented by Executive Director Support Services Group, Mr Hamisu Garko, said the agency’s reforms were designed to make taxpayers the centre of its operations, adding that effective communication and quality service remained critical to enhancing voluntary compliance.
“Our taxpayers are at the heart of what we do. We have continued to reform our processes to make revenue collection more transparent, efficient, and customer-friendly,” he said.
According to him, KIRS has introduced new strategies to strengthen the relationship between staff and taxpayers, including capacity-building programmes and regular stakeholder meetings.
“We are training our staff to better understand how to relate with customers because they are the backbone of our operations. Without taxpayers, there will be no service,” he added.
Abubakar said the agency had set ambitious targets for the year, focusing on doubling its revenue generation compared to the previous year through innovation, digitalisation, and enhanced public trust.
“Our goal is to improve our revenue performance by deepening engagement and encouraging voluntary compliance among taxpayers,” he said.
The chairman commended taxpayers for their cooperation and urged them to continue supporting government’s efforts to improve service delivery across the state.
“We will continue to build a system that prioritises transparency, accountability, and customer satisfaction,” he said.
Earlier, the Director General of Kano State Signage and
Advertisement Agency, Kabir Dakata commended the state government for its prudent management of resources and the ongoing infrastructural transformation across the state.
He said the remarkable progress recorded in the state’s infrastructural development was made possible by the efficient revenue generation system and the transparent use of funds by the administration of Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf.
“We are witnessing a great transformation in infrastructure, and this would not have been possible without your collective effort,”he explained.
A taxpayer, Mr. Samson Joshua, has urged the Kano State Internal Revenue Service (KIRS) to simplify its payment processes by fully digitising the system to enable residents to make payments conveniently from their homes or offices.
He said that adopting a fully digital platform would not only ease the stress taxpayers experience at physical offices but also improve transparency and accountability in the revenue system.
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