Gombe State has once again reaffirmed its status as one of Nigeria’s most fiscally responsible and reform-driven subnational governments, with the Gombe State Internal Revenue Service (GIRS) announcing a 13.6% surplus in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for the first two quarters of 2025.
This remarkable achievement reflects a sustained trend of fiscal growth under the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, who has prioritized financial transparency, digital transformation, and economic sustainability as core pillars of his development agenda.
According to the Executive Chairman of GIRS, Hajiya Aisha Adamu, FCNA, the revenue performance from January to June 2025 continues the upward trajectory that saw Gombe surpass its annual IGR target in 2024.
“In the first quarter of 2025, we were given a revenue target of ₦6.41 billion and successfully generated over ₦6.96 billion. In the second quarter, the target remained ₦6.41 billion, but we again exceeded expectations by collecting over ₦7.62 billion,” she stated.
“This is not an isolated feat; it is part of a deliberate and sustained trajectory anchored in the strategic reforms of Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s administration. This upward trend has remained consistent since 2019 when His Excellency assumed leadership of Gombe State,” she added.
The surplus, she explained, is the outcome of far-reaching institutional reforms, including the plugging of revenue leakages, the deployment of digital platforms, continuous staff capacity building, and strengthened taxpayer engagement. These measures have significantly boosted collections while improving public trust and voluntary compliance.
Under Governor Yahaya’s leadership, GIRS has emerged as a national frontrunner in digital tax administration, securing 4th place in the 2025 Digital Tax Administration Index released by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum in collaboration with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Aisha Adamu acknowledged the Governor’s unwavering support as central to the agency’s success.
“Since my appointment, there has never been a time when His Excellency withheld support. Once convinced, he acts swiftly – clearing bottlenecks and granting approvals without delay,” she remarked.
She further noted that Gombe’s performance has made the state a benchmark for others.
“We receive calls regularly from counterparts across the country who want to understand how we’re achieving this level of success. That’s the result of a leadership model that blends political will with technical expertise,” she added.
Describing the revenue milestone as a “collective victory,” the Executive Chairman commended the dedication and professionalism of GIRS staff, and expressed gratitude to the people of Gombe State for their continued compliance and support. She assured the public that every naira collected is being transparently managed and invested in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and economic empowerment.
Looking ahead, GIRS is intensifying efforts to broaden the tax base and consolidate revenue gains for the rest of the year. Plans are underway to expand taxpayer education, integrate advanced data analytics for audit efficiency, and deepen collaboration with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) for improved revenue harmonization.
Since Governor Inuwa Yahaya assumed office in 2019, Gombe State has recorded a consistent pattern of surpassing its revenue targets, placing the state on a steady path toward fiscal sustainability and inclusive economic growth.
