Yobe Introduces Full Digital Tax Collection System

The Yobe State Government has introduced a cashless tax collection system, banning revenue agents and tax collectors from receiving cash payments from taxpayers as part of efforts to strengthen transparency, accountability and efficient revenue mobilisation.

The executive Chairman of the Yobe State Internal Revenue Service (YIRS), Alhaji Suleiman Bakura, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ engagement on Ease of Doing Business reforms held in Damaturu.

The engagement was organised by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) in collaboration with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), as part of nationwide reforms aimed at improving Nigeria’s business environment.

Bakura, represented by the Head of Information and Intelligence Unit of the service, Mr Nasiru Habu Kiri, said all tax payments and government revenue collections would henceforth be conducted strictly through approved electronic channels, including bank transfers, Point of Sale (PoS) terminals and other designated digital platforms.

He explained that the reform was designed to improve accountability in revenue administration, ensure proper documentation of payments, eliminate opportunities for fraud, and reduce revenue leakages across the system.

According to him, the initiative aligns with the state government’s broader drive for digital transformation, good governance and improved service delivery, while also strengthening public confidence in government revenue processes.

Bakura added that the new system is expected to significantly enhance Yobe’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) by making collections more transparent and efficient.

Speaking at the event, the Director-General of PEBEC, Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, said the council is currently undertaking a nationwide assessment of business environment reforms being implemented by states across the federation.

She said the exercise is aimed at identifying challenges, measuring progress, and supporting reforms that will make Nigeria’s business climate more competitive, investment-friendly and conducive to economic growth.

Also speaking, the secretary of the Yobe State Ease of Doing Business Council (SABER), Hajiya Amina Galadima, highlighted progress made in revitalising dormant state-owned enterprises.

She noted that some enterprises jointly owned by Yobe and Borno States, including FOMA North East, are being repositioned to become viable economic assets capable of generating jobs and stimulating economic activities.

Galadima further disclosed that several investors are currently engaging with the Yobe State Agency for Public-Private Partnership and Investment Promotion, adding that many have completed due diligence visits and are at various stages of discussions to establish businesses in the state.

The engagement underscored Yobe State’s push to deepen reforms that promote transparency, attract investment, expand private sector participation and drive sustainable economic development.