In an effort to enhance service delivery and boost internal revenues for the government, the Bauchi State Internal Revenue Service (BIRS) has implemented and rolled out technological applications within its operations.

As a result, to implement and refine the new initiative, the Board led by its Executive Chairman, Alhaji Mu'azu Umar, convened a roundtable discussion with several key stakeholders. During this meeting, they achieved some common understandings.

Mu’azu who disclosed this in an interactive session with Journalists in Bauchi, stated that a meeting held between the Board and all the 20 LGCs Chairpersons was aimed to address major challenges especially of multiple taxation, thereby harmonizing collections and blocking leakages.

"At present, various agencies are gathering revenues, and taxpayers often claim payment to specific entities without verifiable proof regarding the sum or timing. These issues will now be addressed. My team had a thorough discussion with the Chairpersons, who agreed with our stance," he stated.

The BIRS Executive Chairman stated that efficiency should be maintained throughout the procedure, noting that an automated system will be implemented since the capability at the state level surpasses that of the local government.

As he stated, "Automation will be crucial, eliminating cash collection and doing away with the manual procedures involved in gathering and recording revenues."

So, these measures will expedite the collection process, minimize losses, and simplify things since we aim to ensure that paying taxes is straightforward for our taxpayers. This way, their costs associated with compliance will remain minimal. We planned to implement this around late January and intend to begin rolling it out this quarter starting in April, God willing.

The Executive Chairman highlighted numerous transportation unions along with several crucial parties involved in generating revenue. He mentioned that managing road taxes had posed significant difficulties for the Board previously; nonetheless, he conveyed his thanks to God as they are currently surmounting these obstacles.

"We encountered issues since there was no proper enforcement regarding road taxes until recently, when Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed of the state launched the Bauchi State Road Traffic Agency BAROTA. The agency is now working alongside our organization to figure out ways to better enforce traffic rules within the state," he explained further.

According to Mu'azu Usman, the BIRS has partnered with various transportation unions including NURTW, RTEAN, Achaba, and Keke Napep to ensure compliance with regulations concerning road taxes. He mentioned that they have initiated weight billing and manifest processes with the support of these unions.

"We are currently requiring updates from Achaba and Keke NAPEP operators to verify their details. For the Keke NAPEP vehicles, we are implementing body numbering to ensure accountability within this sector. This measure aims to enhance security and road safety as well as increase revenue generation," he stated.

Thus, the Executive Chairman expressed appreciation for the backing provided by State Governor Sen Bala Mohammad, acknowledging the conducive atmosphere he facilitated for the Board’s operations.

He urged the taxpayers to increase their efforts in making timely payments, as this would help the government deliver more benefits of democratic governance. He highlighted that from 2020 until now, all ongoing capital projects within the state have been funded solely through internally generated revenue.

Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).