Yobe bars revenue agents from handling cash, introduces digital tax collection system
In a major step towards strengthening transparency, accountability, and efficient revenue administration, the Yobe State Government has introduced a cashless tax collection system, prohibiting revenue agents and tax collectors from receiving cash payments from taxpayers.
In a major step towards strengthening transparency, accountability, and efficient revenue administration, the Yobe State Government has introduced a cashless tax collection system, prohibiting revenue agents and tax collectors from receiving cash payments from taxpayers.
Alhaji Suleiman Bakura, the Executive Chairman of the Yobe State Internal Revenue Service (YIRS), 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 ongoing efforts to improve the business environment across the country.
Represented by the Head of Information and Intelligence Unit of the Service, Nasiru Habu Kiri, the YIRS Chairman explained that all tax payments and government revenue collections must henceforth be made through approved electronic channels, including bank transfers, Point of Sale (PoS) terminals, and other designated digital platforms.
According to him, the reform is designed to strengthen accountability in revenue administration, provide proper documentation of payments, eliminate opportunities for fraud, curb revenue leakages, and ensure that all government revenues are accurately captured.
Bakura emphasised that the initiative aligns with the state government’s broader commitment to digital transformation, good governance, and improved service delivery.
He noted that the new system would not only enhance public confidence in government revenue processes but also significantly boost the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
Earlier, Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, the Director-General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), stated that the council is conducting a nationwide assessment of business environment reforms implemented by states across the federation.
She explained that the exercise aims to identify challenges, measure progress, and support reforms to make Nigeria’s business climate more competitive, attractive to investors, and conducive to economic growth.
Also speaking at the event, the Secretary of the Yobe State Ease of Doing Business Council (SABER), Hajiya Amina Galadima, highlighted the significant strides recorded by the state government in revitalising dormant state-owned enterprises.
She revealed that some enterprises jointly owned by Yobe and Borno States, including FOMA North East, are being repositioned to become viable economic assets that can generate employment opportunities and stimulate economic activity.
Galadima further disclosed that several prospective investors are already engaging with the Yobe State Agency for Public-Private Partnership and Investment Promotion.
According to her, many of these investors have completed due diligence visits and are at various stages of discussions to establish businesses and investments within the state.
The stakeholders’ engagement underscored Yobe State’s determination to improve its business environment through reforms that promote transparency, attract investment, encourage private sector participation, and drive sustainable economic development.
This version reads more like a professional newspaper article or government policy report, with stronger flow, context, and an emphasis on the reform’s significance.
