POLITICAL Economy

Borno Generates N35 Billion Revenue, Targets N45 Billion in 2026

by admin on | 2026-10-27 11:58:54

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Borno Generates N35 Billion Revenue, Targets N45 Billion in 2026

By Maryam Muhammad 

The Borno State Internal Revenue Service (BOIRS) says it has generated N35 billion in internally generated revenue for the state government in 2025, as it targets N45 billion in 2026.

The Executive Chairman of BOIRS, Professor Bello Alhaji Ibrahim, told Voice of Nigeria that the growth in revenue was down to the digitalisation and automation of tax assessment, enumeration and collection processes.

Professor Ibrahim, who assumed office on July 16, 2023, said the reforms were designed to enhance transparency, minimise fraudulent practices and establish an efficient revenue collection system in the state.

He explained that the service had moved away from cash-based collections, with taxpayers now able to make payments directly into the state's Treasury Single Account using designated remittance numbers.

According to him, the digital payment system has strengthened accountability and reduced unnecessary interference in revenue collection.

The BOIRS chairman recalled that the state generated approximately N18 billion in 2023 before revenue rose to N28.3 billion in 2024, describing the improvement as evidence of the positive impact of the reforms.

He identified the integration of revenue collection by ministries, departments and agencies and local government areas under the state revenue service as another significant achievement.

Professor Ibrahim said the arrangement followed the implementation of the state's harmonised tax law, which provides a framework for consolidating revenue collection under BOIRS.

He explained that taxpayers now receive a single demand notice containing different revenue obligations, each identified by its respective remittance number.

The system, he added, allows taxpayers to make payments conveniently through available digital channels, including point-of-sale operators in Maiduguri metropolis, Jere and parts of Konduga Local Government Area.

On the state's revenue outlook, Professor Ibrahim said the service had been given a target of N45 billion for 2026.

He acknowledged that the implementation of new tax reforms had temporarily slowed some activities but expressed optimism that the service would make significant progress towards achieving the target.

The chairman said the state government had enacted a new tax law to align with the tax reform framework introduced at the federal level.

He disclosed that BOIRS had generated approximately N25 billion by the time of the interview, expressing confidence that sustained reforms and improved compliance would strengthen the state's revenue performance before the end of the year.

Professor Ibrahim said improved internally generated revenue would help Borno State reduce its dependence on allocations from the Federal Government and strengthen its capacity to finance development projects.

He noted that the state's revenue growth was particularly significant given the economic challenges caused by years of insurgency, disasters and the fire incident at Maiduguri's Monday Market.

According to him, the state is gradually rebuilding its economic base through public sensitisation, taxpayer education and improved revenue administration.

He emphasised that sustainable development requires citizens and businesses to fulfil their tax obligations, noting that revenue generation depends largely on the number of operating businesses and their level of profitability.

The BOIRS chairman expressed confidence that continued improvements in tax administration, transparency and voluntary compliance would place Borno State on a stronger path towards financial self-reliance.

He added that the service would sustain its efforts to establish an efficient revenue system capable of supporting the state's development priorities.