The Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS) has dismissed former Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s claims of plummeting state revenue and unauthorized fund transfers.
During a recent press briefing, Executive Chairman Jerry Adams addressed the allegations, asserting that revenue performance has markedly improved.
He emphasized that under Governor Uba Sani’s administration, financial gains have strengthened the region’s economic outlook and stability.
El-Rufai accused the state of drastically reducing its monthly internally generated revenue (IGR) from ₦7 billion to ₦2 billion. Furthermore, he claimed that illegal transfers reached ₦100 million, which raised additional concerns about the state’s financial management.
In response to these claims, Adams firmly rejected the figures as misleading.
He clarified that the revenue generated during El-Rufai’s tenure also included irregular inflows, such as property sales, which inflated averages.
Moreover, the comparative data revealed significant inconsistencies in the reporting of revenue figures, raising concerns among analysts and stakeholders.
Adams highlighted that annual revenue reached a peak of ₦59 billion in 2022, averaging ₦4.9 billion monthly. Notably, ₦45 billion came from one-time sources, which masked the weaker recurring revenue streams.
In contrast, 2023 and 2024 demonstrated sustainable growth, reporting ₦62.48 billion and ₦71 billion respectively.
This growth translates to monthly averages of ₦5.2 billion and ₦6 billion.
Kaduna’s 2025 revenue trajectory remains promising. Adams disclosed ₦7.46 billion collected in January and ₦6.68 billion in February, totaling ₦14.16 billion.
He attributed this to systemic reforms, not irregular gains, stressing organic growth ensures stability.
“Structured policies and taxpayer engagement drive progress,” he added.
Addressing illegal transfer claims, Adams denied wrongdoing, explaining Kaduna’s fully automated revenue system channels funds directly into the Treasury Single Account via platforms like PAYKADUNA. “The IGR account cannot disburse funds—it’s a transit channel,” he stated, dismissing unauthorized withdrawal possibilities.
Looking ahead, Adams announced a data-centralization project to streamline revenue forecasting. This initiative, he said, will boost transparency and efficiency, positioning Kaduna as a fiscal innovation leader.
Concluding, Adams reaffirmed KADIRS’s commitment to accountability under Governor Sani, urging citizens to ignore unverified claims.
“Our progress is measurable,” he said, citing Kaduna’s top northern IGR ranking per National Bureau of Statistics.
Through strategic reforms and technology, the state aims to strengthen revenue for equitable development.
