Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has welcomed the latest revenue performance ranking by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), which placed the state ninth nationwide and first in Northern Nigeria in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
The governor’s reaction was contained in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature.
Governor Yusuf expressed satisfaction with the achievement during a briefing by the Executive Chairman of the Kano Internal Revenue Service (KIRS), Mr. Zaid Abubakar, at the induction ceremony of newly recruited KIRS personnel held at the Government House, Kano.
Abubakar explained that, the ranking was based on the most recent NBS statistical report, noting that Kano’s position reflects a remarkable improvement in revenue generation.
“Kano State now ranks first in Northern Nigeria and ninth nationally. Previously, the state was ranked as low as 30th,” he said.
He attributed the progress to sustained reforms in the revenue sector under the current administration, describing the outcome as a direct result of improved governance, institutional restructuring, and professionalism.
The KIRS chairman commended Governor Yusuf for prioritising revenue generation as a critical driver of sustainable development and for his commitment to strengthening public service institutions.
As part of efforts to consolidate the gains, the state government has recruited 120 permanent and pensionable staff into KIRS, including professionals in economics, accounting, and taxation.
The move, according to the statement, is aimed at enhancing efficiency and sustaining the upward trajectory in revenue performance.
Governor Yusuf reaffirmed his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption, abuse of office, and unethical practices, warning that any revenue officer found culpable would face disciplinary action.
The state Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Ismail Aliyu Danmaya, congratulated the newly inducted officers and stressed that efficient revenue administration remains central to the state’s development agenda.