In a landmark achievement, Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, has officially presented new vehicles to the State Revenue Service leadership in recognition of their unprecedented success in surpassing the ₦100 billion annual revenue target. The vehicle handover ceremony was held on Tuesday at the Government House, Minna, signaling the state government’s commitment to strengthening revenue mobilization and operational efficiency.
Governor Bago described the accomplishment as a significant milestone in Niger State’s economic development. “This achievement not only reflects the hard work and dedication of the revenue service but also demonstrates the effectiveness of our policies geared towards fiscal discipline and sustainable growth,” he remarked. The governor emphasized that the vehicles serve both as a reward and a motivational incentive for continued excellence in revenue generation.
The governor also revealed that the Niger State Revenue Service (NSRS) has now attained fiscal autonomy, a major step forward in state financial management. This autonomy allows the agency to independently manage salary payments and directly remit funds to the state treasury, a move expected to enhance accountability and transparency in public finance.
In his remarks, Alhaji Muhammad Etsu, Chairman of the Niger State Revenue Service, expressed deep gratitude for the support from Governor Bago’s administration. “This achievement is a product of unwavering institutional backing, and the autonomy granted to us has empowered the agency to operate more effectively,” Etsu said. He highlighted that the new vehicles would significantly improve the operational capabilities of the revenue service, enabling more extensive and efficient tax collection drives across the state.
Etsu further outlined ambitious plans to capitalize on Niger State’s ongoing industrialization and increasing investments to boost internally generated revenue (IGR). “With the right resources and continued government support, we are confident of expanding the state’s fiscal base exponentially,” he added.
The breakthrough in revenue collection comes at a critical time when Nigerian states are grappling with dwindling federal allocations and economic uncertainties. Niger State’s strategic focus on boosting IGR through enhanced tax compliance, broadened tax bases, and fiscal reforms sets a promising example for other states.
Niger State’s revenue surge is closely tied to recent efforts aimed at industrial expansion and investment promotion. The government’s policies encouraging private sector growth and infrastructural development have attracted businesses, thereby expanding the tax base. Additionally, digitization of revenue processes and stricter enforcement against tax evasion have contributed to improved collection rates.
Governor Bago’s administration has also prioritized transparency and accountability in budget implementation, reinforcing public trust and cooperation with revenue authorities. This approach has helped minimize leakages and ensure that resources are effectively harnessed to drive development projects within the state.
The financial independence of the Niger State Revenue Service is expected to foster quicker decision-making and reduce bureaucratic delays in fund management. More robust revenue generation will translate into increased funds for critical sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and security. This, in turn, will improve overall governance and quality of life for Nigerians.
Experts suggest that Niger’s model, combining fiscal autonomy with incentive-driven performance, could be replicated across Nigeria to strengthen sub-national fiscal sustainability. As states seek to reduce reliance on federal allocations, effective revenue services are pivotal to economic resilience.
Governor Bago’s call for innovation and expanded fiscal strategies signals a proactive stance toward sustaining revenue growth. The Niger State Revenue Service’s leadership has committed to leveraging technology, expanding taxpayer education, and engaging communities to widen compliance and tax revenue.
With Nigeria’s economy facing various headwinds, states like Niger are showing that local initiatives can play a vital role in bolstering economic stability. The recent ₦100 billion milestone and the accompanying government incentives mark a new chapter in Niger State’s journey toward fiscal self-reliance and sustainable development.