Gombe State has yet again proved itself as a beacon of fiscal responsibility as the state showcased its innovative approach to tax administration at the 156th Joint Tax Board (JTB) meeting held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The state’s delegation, led by the Executive Chairman of the Gombe State Internal Revenue Service (GIRS), Aisha Adamu, shared insights into strategies that have propelled Gombe State to the forefront of tax revenue generation and significantly improved the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR).
Presenting her paper titled “Enhancing Taxation of High Net-Worth Individuals (HNIs) in Gombe State,” Aisha Adamu outlined GIRS’s multifaceted approach to tax compliance and revenue generation.
This approach includes identifying and profiling HNIs, leveraging data analytics, capacity building for staff, and public awareness campaigns.
The GIRS Boss stressed the importance of effective taxation of HNIs and the need for collaboration with national agencies and financial institutions, emphasizing the role of continuous stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and robust enforcement mechanisms in ensuring compliance.
She emphasized that these strategies, coupled with the state government’s support, have been instrumental in the significant and sustained growth of Gombe State’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) since Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya assumed office in 2019.
“Since 2019, the Inuwa Yahaya administration has consistently raised the IGR target, which the GIRS has successfully met and exceeded”, she noted.
The Executive Chairman attributed the achievements to GIRS’ tax reforms that have improved technology, plugged revenue leakages, and expanded the tax net to include previously untapped sectors.
The 156th JTB meeting focused on strategies to improve the taxation of HNIs in Nigeria, aiming to tap into this significant revenue source and enhance tax compliance.
The meeting was attended by Executive Chairmen of state Internal Revenue Services across the 36 states and the FCT, as well as other revenue-generating agencies.