By Danladi Usman
Katsina State Government generated over N1.85 billion in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in July, marking a significant milestone in the state’s economic development.
This achievement, attributed to the introduction of a central billing system, underscores a transformative shift in revenue collection strategies within the state.
The Executive Chairman of the Katsina State Internal Revenue Service, Isyaku Mohammed, disclosed this remarkable feat in Katsina, attributing the success to strategic reforms introduced since his assumption of office in November 2023. Upon taking the helm, the state’s IGR fluctuated between N700 million to N800 million monthly.
However, the introduction of the central billing platform has more than doubled the state’s revenue generation capacity, leading to the unprecedented N1.85 billion recorded in July.
“The central billing system, introduced in June 2024, is the first of its kind since the creation of Katsina in 1987. It was designed to tackle revenue leakage and improve efficiency in the collection process,” Mohammed stated.
The system’s primary objective is to curb the diversion of funds, ensuring that every naira generated reaches the state’s coffers.
Mohammed highlighted the comprehensive public enlightenment campaign that accompanied the rollout of the central billing platform as a critical factor in its success.
The campaign was aimed at educating taxpayers on the benefits and ease of using the new system, which allows for the payment of taxes and other revenues from anywhere in the world through a simplified online process.
“The new system provides taxpayers with the flexibility to pay their dues at their convenience, whether at their workplace, home, or any other location globally,” Mohammed explained.
He further emphasized that the system’s integration with the Tax Identification Number (TIN) ensures instant issuance of receipts upon payment, enhancing transparency and trust in the revenue collection process.
This leap in revenue generation is a testament to the effectiveness of the central billing system and the strategic vision of the Katsina State Government. It signals a new era of financial discipline and innovation, setting a benchmark for other states to emulate in their quest for increased IGR.
