The Bauchi State Internal Revenue Service (BIRS) has introduced a technology-driven application into its operations to improve service delivery and boost internally generated revenue.
To effectively implement the initiative, the Board organised a strategic roundtable discussion with key stakeholders, including all 20 local government chairpersons, where mutual agreements were reached.
Speaking with journalists in Bauchi on Tuesday, the executive chairman of the board, Mu’azu Umar Usman, explained that the meeting addressed major challenges such as multiple taxation, with the aim of harmonising collections and plugging leakages.
Mu’azu explained that, “Currently, multiple agencies are collecting revenue, and taxpayers often claim they have already paid to one agency or the other. The amounts and timing are often unverifiable.
“All of that will change. We had a robust discussion with the chairpersons and they agreed with our position.”
According to the BIRS chairman, the new system will ensure efficiency by automating the entire tax collection process.
He noted that while state-level operations have more capacity than local councils, BIRS will leverage that strength to support local government revenue collection.
“Automation is crucial. It will eliminate cash handling and manual accounting, making the process faster and more secure. We want tax compliance to be easy and affordable for citizens. Implementation is set to begin this quarter, in April, insha Allah.”]
On the challenge of administering road taxes, the chairman said the Board is making significant progress, especially since the commissioning of the Bauchi State Road Traffic Agency (BAROTA) by Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed.
Added that the Board is now partnering with BAROTA to enforce traffic regulations and road tax compliance.
Usman revealed that BIRS is also collaborating with transport unions including NURTW, RTEAN, Achaba, and Keke Napep operators, saying that weigh billing and manifest systems are being enforced in cooperation with the unions.
“We’re now enforcing registration and identification of Achaba and Keke Napep operators. Body numbering has been introduced for better regulation, improved safety, and enhanced revenue generation,” he added.
The executive chairman expressed appreciation to Governor Bala Mohammed for creating a supportive environment for the Board’s operations and called on the public to fulfill their tax obligations.
He emphasised that since 2020, all capital projects undertaken in Bauchi State have been funded through internally generated revenue.
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