February 27, (THEWILL) – The Borno State Internal Revenue Service has announced a record revenue generation of N28.3 billion for the year 2024, surpassing its initial target of N19.3 billion by 46%.

The Executive Chairman of BOIRS, Prof. Bello Ibrahim, disclosed this during a press briefing in Maiduguri on Thursday, describing the milestone as a significant achievement in the agency’s revenue mobilization efforts.

He attributed the success to key strategic reforms, including the digitization of tax collection, public sensitization, and the harmonization of taxes, which streamlined payment processes and eliminated multiple tax collectors from targeting the same businesses.

“Our success is largely due to the enabling environment and freehand given to us by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, as well as the overwhelming support of the people of Borno State,” he stated.

Ibrahim also highlighted the introduction of a gradual payment system, which allowed taxpayers to remit levies at their convenience, alongside a robust invoicing system to enhance accountability.

Despite these gains, he acknowledged challenges such as resistance from some local government areas to the harmonization program, the impact of recent flood disasters, and a decline in collections from ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).

“To address these issues, we shifted from strict enforcement to persuasion, fostering cooperation with the public,” he added.

Looking ahead, the agency has set an ambitious revenue target of N35 billion for 2025, exceeding the state government’s projection of N25 billion.

“We are committed to ensuring the tax system continues to evolve without placing an additional burden on taxpayers. All revenue collected will be channeled into projects that directly benefit the people of Borno,” Prof. Ibrahim assured.

He expressed gratitude to residents for their understanding and pledged to sustain a tax-friendly environment in the state.