- From: Femi Oyelola in Kaduna
Sen. Dr. Uba Sani, CON, the Governor of Kaduna State, has presented his administration’s comprehensive fiscal policies aimed at increasing both tax and non-tax revenues without imposing new taxes on citizens.
Speaking today at the 5th Economic Intelligence Unit Policy Dialogue, Sani emphasized Kaduna State’s commitment to building a prosperous, inclusive, and self-reliant economy.
The governor highlighted the state’s achievements, noting that it has generated over ₦135 billion in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for the combined years of 2023 and 2024. He attributed this success to the administration’s focus on efficiency, transparency, and innovation, alongside a five-year fiscal framework emphasizing prudent spending, debt sustainability, and revenue optimization.
Gov. Sani outlined several key policies driving this growth, including the digitalization of tax administration through the PayKaduna platform, expanding the tax base without raising rates, and engaging stakeholders while enhancing their capabilities.
He also stressed the importance of non-tax revenues—such as fees, fines, licenses, and investment returns—in achieving fiscal autonomy.
Moreover, the governor noted that Kaduna State’s efforts to align with the Nigeria Tax Act of 2025 involve harmonizing tax administration, launching educational campaigns, and partnering with the UNDP on initiatives for gender-responsive taxation and base expansion.
In his opening remarks, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Planning and Budget highlighted the significance of the New Tax Reform Act, emphasizing its potential to enhance revenue generation, promote fiscal equity, and foster sustainable economic growth.
The 5th EIU Policy Dialogue brought together thought leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss the implications of the Tax Reform Act and explore opportunities for revenue optimization and fiscal sustainability.
Similarly, Mubarak Abdulganiyi, Civil Society Co-Chair of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) in Kaduna State, emphasized the need for the government to prioritize transparency and inclusivity in implementing the New Tax Reform Act. Speaking at the dialogue, Abdulganiyi praised the Kaduna State Planning and Budget Commission for creating a platform where stakeholders can discuss policies that impact development.
However, he expressed concerns about multiple taxation, limited transparency in tax utilization, gaps in equity and inclusion, complex compliance processes, and weak feedback mechanisms. He urged the government to strengthen citizen participation, transparency, and accountability in tax administration.
Abdulganiyi recommended simplifying and harmonizing taxes, enhancing tax education and digital inclusion, and ensuring equity through policy incentives.
He emphasized the importance of utilizing Open Government Partnership mechanisms to foster data transparency, public oversight, and collaborative approaches.
He emphasized that tax reform should rebuild trust, ensuring that every naira paid by citizens yields tangible developmental outcomes. Abdulganiyi reiterated the readiness of civil society to collaborate with government and private stakeholders to transform taxation into a tool for equity, accountability, and progress.
The 5th EIU Policy Dialogue served as a platform for stakeholders to discuss the New Tax Reform Act and its implications for Kaduna State. The event underscored the importance of inclusive and transparent tax policies that foster economic growth and development.
Abdulganiyi’s remarks underscored the importance of citizen engagement in shaping tax policies that impact the broader population. His call for transparency, accountability, and inclusivity serves as a reminder of the government’s responsibility to ensure that tax reforms benefit all citizens.
In his presentation, Abdulrauf Aliyu, a leading expert on tax reforms, emphasized the need for Kaduna State to capitalize on the opportunities presented by Nigeria’s 2025 Tax Reform Act. At the 5th Policy Dialogue on the New Tax Reform Acts,
Aliyu highlighted the potential benefits of the reforms, including an expanded tax base, improved revenue quality through digitalization, and the formalization of the informal sector.
According to Aliyu, these reforms present Kaduna State with an opportunity to modernize its fiscal framework, enhance governance, and increase transparency.
He identified key areas of opportunity, including expanding the tax base to encompass informal, digital, and gig economy activities, as well as utilizing digitalization to reduce leakages and enhance compliance monitoring.
However, Aliyu also noted challenges and risks associated with the reforms, including revenue transition risk, administrative and institutional readiness, and gaps in human capital. He emphasized the need for Kaduna State to invest in digital transformation, data integration, and human capital development to ensure the successful implementation of the reforms.
