The Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS) has generated approximately N90 billion in revenue and aims to reach its N120 billion target by 2026.
Dr Mohammed Lawal, Acting Executive Chairman of KADIRS, announced this on Thursday in Kafanchan during the agency’s third-quarter 2026 stakeholders’ engagement.
The engagement was held under the theme, “Transparent Taxation, Better Services, Building Our State Together”.
The discussion focused on leveraging the Nigeria Tax Act 2025 and Nigeria Tax Administration Act 2025 to improve internally generated revenue, taxpayers’ experience, and data compliance in Kaduna State.
Lawal expressed confidence that the state would surpass N100 billion by year-end and ultimately achieve its N120 billion target.
He attributed the improved revenue to ongoing tax reforms and the transformation of the state’s revenue administration. According to him, Kaduna generated about N12 billion annually before major tax reforms began roughly 10 years ago.
He stated that the state collected over N86 billion in revenue in 2025, reflecting significant improvement in mobilisation.
Lawal described stakeholder engagement as a permanent part of KADIRS’ processes for gathering feedback and addressing taxation challenges.
Lawal stated that Kaduna has implemented three major tax reforms in the past decade, starting with the 2016 Tax Codification and Consolidation Law.
He explained that the 2016 reform eliminated cash collections, introduced technology, and reduced revenue lines from over 400 to fewer than 50.
Lawal described the federal reforms as extensive, noting they consolidated and amended several tax laws to improve the national tax administration system. He identified changes in personal income tax, company income tax, capital gains tax, value-added tax, and presumptive taxation.
He noted that the reforms also introduced four major laws providing frameworks for tax obligations, administration, revenue service operations, and coordination. He said the reforms have strengthened digital revenue administration, improved institutional organisation, and encouraged greater collaboration among relevant government agencies.
Lawal said stakeholder engagement offers an opportunity to address concerns, clarify tax obligations, and develop solutions to taxpayer challenges. He noted that stakeholders in the revenue system extend beyond taxpayers to include government institutions, traditional leaders, professional bodies, and the media. Earlier, Alhaji Ali Gora, KADIRS Executive Director, Standards and Compliance, said the engagement aimed to explain the new tax laws and address misconceptions. Gora noted that the reforms, effective January 1, 2026, raised concerns among taxpayers because many did not fully understand the provisions. He explained that the laws include relief for low-income earners, and some taxpayers may no longer be required to pay certain taxes. Gora encouraged participants to ask questions and share concerns, assuring them that the service is prepared to provide necessary explanations. In the presentation, Dr Abdulrauf Aliyu discussed how the Nigeria Tax Act 2025 and Nigeria Tax Administration Act 2025 could enhance revenue generation and the taxpayer experience.
Aliyu stated that sustainable revenue growth depends on taxpayers understanding their obligations, trusting the system, and recognising the public value of taxation.
He highlighted transparency, predictable administration, reliable data, and visible public accountability as essential elements of an effective tax system.
The presentation also emphasised accurate taxpayer records, responsible data sharing, confidentiality, and improved coordination among relevant agencies.
Aliyu said effective implementation requires clear communication, consistent application of the laws, and accessible support for taxpayers. He urged KADIRS to make compliance easier for willing taxpayers and ensure credible enforcement against deliberate tax evasion. He further stressed that taxation should protect taxpayers’ rights and ensure everyone pays only what the law requires.
