Tag: Jigawa State

As Nigeria commences the implementation of its new tax laws, legislative momentum is gathering across the North Central region, with Jigawa, Plateau, Kogi, Nasarawa and Kwara states taking concrete steps to domesticate the reforms and strengthen their revenue frameworks.

Separate statements from the Joint Revenue Board (JRB) said the moves, driven by recently enacted laws and executive assents, are aimed at boosting internally generated revenue (IGR), improving financial autonomy and creating a more transparent, predictable and business-friendly tax environment in line with the national tax reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Jigawa State joined the reform drive following the passage of the Harmonised Taxes and Levies Bill by the Jigawa State House of Assembly. In a statement, the JRB congratulated the state on the development, describing it as a significant milestone in Jigawa’s efforts to modernise its revenue administration system.

According to the Board, the bill—expected to be signed into law by the Executive Governor—seeks to streamline tax processes, eliminate multiple taxation, outlaw roadblocks for the collection of taxes and levies, deploy technology to enhance transparency and plug revenue leakages, while providing greater clarity on taxpayers’ obligations.

The JRB noted that the harmonised framework is expected to improve taxpayer compliance, boost investor confidence and support Jigawa State’s economic development. It also commended the collaborative efforts of the state government, the legislature and the Jigawa State Internal Revenue Service in advancing the reform, noting that it aligns with the Tinubu administration’s national tax reform programme and underscores the state’s commitment to transparency and good governance.

In Plateau State, Governor Caleb Mutfwang, on December 31, 2025, signed into law the Plateau State Harmonised Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Law. Officials described the legislation as a major milestone in the state’s revenue reform drive, saying it provides a clearer and more coordinated framework for tax and levy collection. The law is expected to eliminate duplication, reduce revenue leakages and support funding for critical infrastructure and social services.

Nasarawa State has also taken decisive steps to modernise its fiscal system. Governor Abdullahi A. Sule signed into law the Nasarawa State Revenue Administration Law 2025 alongside the Harmonised Taxes and Levies Law 2025. The legislation establishes a unified and transparent system for administering both tax and non-tax revenues, clearly defining approved levies and strengthening institutional oversight.

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Government sources said the Nasarawa reforms are designed to address long-standing challenges such as fragmented revenue practices, multiple taxation and inconsistent enforcement. Beyond improving coordination among revenue agencies, the laws are expected to enhance transparency, curb arbitrary collections and restore public confidence in revenue institutions, while supporting investment and economic activity, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Similarly, Kogi State joined the reform push on January 1, 2026, when Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo assented to the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (Establishment) Law 2025 and the Kogi State Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Law 2025. The laws provide a stronger legal and institutional foundation for a more efficient and professional revenue service, while aligning tax collection practices with national standards.

Although specific legislative actions were not detailed for Kwara State, it is among the North Central states identified as moving to domesticate the reforms, reinforcing the region’s collective commitment to modernising sub-national revenue administration.

Analysts say the new laws reflect a broader shift away from outdated and fragmented collection methods towards a harmonised, technology-driven and people-centred tax framework. Key provisions include the harmonisation of sub-national taxes into nine approved tax types, the outlawing of roadblocks for tax and levy collection, and measures to improve certainty, fairness and efficiency in the system.

The reforms are also expected to reduce arbitrary and illegal collections, enhance transparency and create a more predictable operating environment for businesses, with SMEs projected to benefit significantly from the streamlined framework.

Observers say the growing legislative momentum across the states signals a new phase in Nigeria’s fiscal governance, as sub-national governments increasingly position themselves to generate sustainable revenue while supporting economic growth and development.

No fewer than 100 registered Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) in Jigawa State have been consolidated under the Non-State Actors platform of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) to strengthen advocacy on inclusion, transparency and openness in government of state and local councils.

The move followed a general meeting convened by the newly formed OGP leadership in the state, led by Comrade Isah Mustapha, with the aim of repositioning the coalition and activating the third phase of the state’s OGP Action Plan.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Comrade Mustapha, who serves as the Non-State Actors co-chair, said the organisations agreed to collaborate around four key thematic areas: Fiscal Transparency and Accountability, Access to Justice, Climate Change, and Anti-Corruption.

“The meeting was held in line with OGP’s principles of inclusion and transparency. We have begun the process of developing Jigawa State Action Plan III,” he said.

According to him, invitations were sent via Google forms across various media platforms for interested organisations to register and select their preferred thematic areas.

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“As you can see, representatives of CSOs, CBOs, the private sector and the media are all here. Every organisation has equal opportunity to join, lead and contribute to the action plan. Since the OGP Step II leadership has ceased to exist, it became necessary to constitute a new and transparent leadership,” he explained.

Comrade Mustapha said the platform has adopted an open-door policy to encourage participation, noting that registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), the state or even a local government body is sufficient for membership.

He added that sensitisation sessions have been held on the principles and concepts of OGP at national and sub-national levels to help organisations align their interests with the agreed thematic areas.

“The current leadership will not allow any interference. Members will abide by acceptable procedures and guidelines to form their leadership structures within the thematic areas,” he stressed.

He revealed that while some thematic areas have one commitment, others may have two, depending on identified priorities.

“Our plan is to revive Jigawa OGP and make it competitive at the international level. We also intend to establish strong OGP structures across the 27 local government councils to promote accountability, transparency and openness in governance,” he stated.

Comrade Mustapha emphasised the need to monitor local government spending, contract awards and project implementation in light of financial autonomy at that tier of government.

He appealed to members for continued cooperation to position Jigawa as a model of inclusive governance and transparency in Nigeria and beyond under OGP Step III.

The emirate council in Jigawa State has promised the full commitment to the fight against gender-based violence and the protection of women and children across Jigawa State and Northern Nigeria.

The Emir of Dutse, His Royal Highness Alhaji Muhammad Hamim Nuhu Sanusi, made the declaration while receiving a delegation from the Development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC) and the Centre for Islamic Civilisation and Interfaith Dialogue, Bayero University Kano. The visit was part of advocacy efforts under the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Prevention Project in Northern Nigeria, supported by the Ford Foundation.

Addressing the delegation, the Emir described violence against women as “un-Islamic and morally unacceptable,” stressing that Islam upholds the dignity, rights, and protection of women, children, and vulnerable members of society.

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“Violence against women is repugnant to Islamic values. Islam has provided comprehensive guidance to protect the rights of women and children. Their dignity is sacred,” he said.

He commended the dRPC and the Ford Foundation for their support in driving change at the grassroots and called for stronger collaboration between politicians, religious scholars, civil society organisations, and academic researchers in addressing the growing cases of gender-based violence, particularly in rural communities.

“GBV is a growing challenge, especially in our rural areas. We must act collectively to reverse this trend,” the Emir stated, urging civil society groups to intensify efforts to engage and educate religious leaders in preaching against violence and harmful cultural practices.

Earlier, the Director of the Centre for Islamic Civilisation and Interfaith Dialogue, Professor Taufiq Abubakar, who led the delegation, described the Muslim Opinion Leaders GBV Prevention Project as a strategic intervention to address the alarming increase in GBV cases across Northern Nigeria.