The Executive Chairman, Kano State Internal Revenue Service (KIRS), Dr Zaid Abubakar, says the consolidation of Area Tax Offices from 28 to 12 Revenue Service Centres was a strategic move to improve efficiency and oversight.

Abubakar disclosed this at the KIRS Annual Dinner and Awards Night in Kano, noting that the reform was complemented by the recruitment of over 100 new staff to sustain the Service’s transformation agenda.

He explained that the restructuring was part of broader measures that had boosted Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from N74 billion in 2024 to N102 billion in 2025.

According to him, the Service had also introduced reforms in motor vehicle administration, including faster turnaround for number plate issuance, improved server uptime and deployment of mobile enforcement equipment.

On future plans, Abubakar announced the introduction of an Annual Development Levy of N2,000, with 50 per cent of collections retained at the community level to support grassroots development.

He added that permanent, state-of-the-art Area Offices would be established across the state to replace rented facilities, while integration with the Nigeria Revenue Service would enhance intelligence and data-driven decision-making.

The chairman said the Service was targeting N200 billion in IGR once full institutional autonomy was achieved, commending staff for their dedication and urging them to remain focused.

Speaking also, the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Alhaji Musa Shanono, commended KIRS for its outstanding performance, describing the achievements as a testament to the agency’s professionalism in enhancing revenue generation.

Shanono lauded Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his proactive development strides, highlighting his administration’s commitment to infrastructural expansion, social welfare programmes and economic empowerment initiatives.

Earlier, the Executive Director, Human Resource Services, Hajiya Fatima Ahmad, congratulated the awardees and expressed confidence that the recognition would inspire them to pursue the ambition of N200 billion in IGR.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event also featured award presentations to outstanding staff members in recognition of their exceptional performance.

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Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Kano have been urged to tap into Nigeria’s capital market as a strategic tool for wealth creation and business expansion.

Alhaji Umaru Kwairanga, Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), made the remarks in Kano on the sidelines of a stakeholders’ meeting themed ‘Unlocking Growth: Harnessing the Capital Market for SME Growth.’”

Kwairanga emphasised that access to capital market instruments could provide SMEs with the funding needed to scale operations and generate sustainable wealth.

The chairman noted that SMEs form the backbone of the Nigerian economy and have the potential to significantly contribute to national economic growth if properly supported.

He added that NGX has designed initiatives to make capital market participation more accessible to businesses across the country.

“Our aim is to engage prospective and listed companies in the NGX, helping them meet the necessary requirements to fully benefit from market opportunities.We want these SMEs to achieve great success, just like Dangote or BUA,” he said.

He highlighted the investment potential in the capital market, citing that last year, companies in the sector, particularly engineering firms, delivered returns exceeding 50 percent.

“Currently, our market has already returned over 30 percent, and we are confident of tripling last year’s performance,” he added.

Kwairanga also cited local success stories such as Jai’s Bank, a non-interest bank listed on the stock exchange. Its shares, initially priced at one unit, have risen to over ten units, illustrating the wealth creation potential of strategic investments.

Stressing the need to engage young people and women, Kwairanga said, “ 70 percent of our population is under 30. If we do not provide these opportunities, we risk producing untapped potential that could become a ‘time bomb’ for the future.” he explained.

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The Katsina State Statistician-General, Prof. Saifullahi Sani, has disbursed more than N20 million to students, Islamic preachers, and women groups in Matazu Local Government Area of the state.

Speaking during the event on Monday in Matazu, Sani said the gesture was part of his personal contribution toward supporting people in his constituency and improving their livelihood.

He explained that the assistance to more than 2,000 people was aimed at empowering the beneficiaries and easing economic hardship among vulnerable groups in the area.

According to the statistician-general, more than 114 students currently in second-class upper division across the local government area will receive N100,000 each as scholarships.

“The support will also be extended to members of the Gwagware Foundation media team, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as well as other vulnerable individuals within the community,” he said.

Sani called on the beneficiaries to make good use of the funds, assuring them of his continued commitment to supporting the less privileged and promoting initiatives that would enhance the development of the area.

He also commended Gov. Dikko Radda for encouraging individuals and organisations to support the poor and contribute to community development.

Earlier, the APC Chairman in Matazu local government area, Mansur Aliyu, noted that the financial assistance would enable beneficiaries to establish small-scale businesses and become self-reliant.

He further urged wealthy individuals and elected representatives from the area to support poor families financially and contribute toward the rapid development of the community.

One of the beneficiaries, Samaila Sani, commended Sani for the gesture and assured that the funds would be used judiciously.

Similarly, Hadiza Maikudi, who spoke on behalf of women organisations in the area, said the support would go a long way in alleviating the suffering of many women and their families.

NAN

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