Kano’s Revenue Rise: How Strategic Hiring and Reform Propelled the State to Top in the North, 9th Nationally in IGR
By Aminu Garko
Kano, Dec. 20, 2025
Kano State has solidified its position as the economic powerhouse of Northern Nigeria, securing the top spot in the region and ranking 9th nationally in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), according to the latest report from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). This achievement, celebrated by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, is not accidental but the result of deliberate institutional reforms and strategic investment in human capital.
The Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, confirmed the ranking in a statement released on Saturday. Governor Yusuf was briefed on the milestone by the Executive Chairman of the Kano Internal Revenue Service (KIRS), Zaid Abubakar, during a significant event: the induction ceremony for 120 newly recruited, permanent, and pensionable KIRS officers at the Government House.
Beyond the Numbers: The Anatomy of Kano’s Revenue Success
While ranking 9th nationally is commendable, leading the entire Northern region is a profound statement. It underscores Kano’s unique economic position. Unlike many states reliant on federal allocations, Kano’s IGR strength is built on its vast commercial ecosystem—a hub for agriculture, manufacturing, textiles, and SMEs. The reforms under the KIRS, as highlighted by Chairman Abubakar, have focused on formalizing and efficiently capturing revenue from this sprawling informal and formal economy. This likely involves technology-driven tax administration, expanding the tax net to previously under-served sectors, and improving compliance through taxpayer education and streamlined processes.
The Human Capital Strategy: Hiring to Sustain Growth
The induction of 120 new officers is a critical, forward-looking component of this success. It addresses a common pitfall in public service: capacity gaps. By recruiting across key revenue cadres—such as audit, assessment, ICT, and taxpayer services—the state is investing in the expertise needed to sustain and improve its ranking. This move signals a shift from ad-hoc revenue drives to building a professional, career-driven revenue agency. As Commissioner for Finance Dr. Ismail Aliyu Danmaya emphasized, effective revenue administration is the lifeblood of the state’s development agenda, funding infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
A Stern Warning Against Corruption: The Foundation of Trust<br
Governor Yusuf used the occasion to issue a clear warning: his administration maintains a zero-tolerance policy for corruption, abuse of office, or unethical conduct. This is not merely rhetorical. For revenue reforms to be credible and sustainable, public trust is paramount. A transparent KIRS, where officers act with integrity, encourages voluntary compliance from businesses and individuals. This anti-corruption stance is, therefore, a direct enabler of the revenue performance being celebrated.
Context and the Road Ahead
Kano’s achievement must be viewed within the competitive national landscape. To break into the top five nationally, a position currently held by coastal and oil-producing states like Lagos, Rivers, and Ogun, Kano will need to deepen its reforms further. This could involve more advanced data analytics for tax forecasting, public-private partnerships for revenue collection in specific sectors, and continuous professional development for its new workforce. The challenge will be to grow the revenue pie without stifling the entrepreneurial spirit that makes Kano the commercial heart of the North.
In essence, Kano’s story is one of recognizing economic potential and building the institutional machinery to harness it. The combination of strategic reform, professional staffing, and a commitment to integrity provides a replicable model for other sub-national governments aiming to achieve fiscal autonomy and drive development from within.
(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
AAG/BRM
==========
Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
