The Borno Internal Revenue Service (BIRS), says it generated about 1.2 billion Naira revenue in February, 2024.
The Executive Chairman of the BIRS, Prof. Bello Alhaji Ibrahim, told newsmen during a press briefing that it was the highest it recorded in 14 days.
He highlighted the achievements and challenges of his six-month tenure as the head of the board.
He also outlined the major reforms that the BIRS intends to embark on by the end of the year.
Professor Ibrahim stated that the BIRS generated over three billion Naira in 2023, and recorded a very high revenue generation in January 2024, which is usually the peak month for tax collection.
He attributed the steady revenue growth of the state to the various initiatives put in place by the BIRS to improve tax administration and compliance.
He said that the BIRS remits revenue to the state treasury on every 15th and end of the month, and that in February 2024, the BIRS remitted about 1.2 billion Naira in 14 days.
He said, “this remarkable feat could not have been possible without tackling the leakages and inefficiencies that plagued the BIRS in the past.”
He said that some of the major reforms he initiated upon his assumption as the chairman of the board include: “Deploying adhoc staff to support the existing staff and paying them from the revenue generated by the BIRS, rather than from the government coffers.
“Setting up a committee to oversee the affairs of the BIRS and ensure accountability and transparency.
“Increasing the revenue generation of some departments from 3 million Naira to 13-14 million Naira per month, and of others from 5 million Naira to 10 million Naira per month, by enhancing their commitment and productivity“.
Others are: Automating the tax collection process, recruiting and equipping about 100 POS locations in Maiduguri, and providing them with the necessary identification to collect tax on behalf of the BIRS.
Professor Ibrahim also commented on the budget presented by the Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, which he described as promising and challenging for the internal revenue generation institutions across the state.
He said that the BIRS is ready to step up its efforts to meet the expectations of the government and the people of Borno State.
He concluded by expressing his appreciation to the press for their role in informing the public about the importance of tax payment and the benefits of the taxpayers’ money. He also thanked his staff, the state government, and the taxpayers for their support and cooperation.
