The Kano Chamber of Commerce, Mines, Industries and Agriculture (KACCIMA) has engaged the Kano State Internal Revenue Service (KIRS) on the provisions and implications of the New Nigerian Tax Act (NTA) as part of efforts to prepare businesses for the country’s evolving tax regime.
The engagement took place at a seminar organised by KACCIMA with the theme: “Navigating Nigeria’s New Tax Era: Strategies for Compliance, Profit Protection and Sustainable Business Growth.”
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director, Compliance and Enforcement at KIRS, Mr. Muhammad Abba Aliyu, said the Kano State Government would commence full implementation of a cashless tax payment system from January 1, 2026.
Aliyu explained that the policy, which prohibits the payment of taxes by cash or cheque, is aimed at blocking revenue leakages and improving transparency in the state’s revenue collection process.
He said the adoption of technology had significantly boosted internally generated revenue in the state, noting that one agency recorded an increase from N50 million to N500 million after automating its revenue processes.
According to him, the success recorded made it necessary to institutionalise electronic payment systems across all tax collection channels.
Aliyu also highlighted key provisions of the new tax law, explaining that the Nigerian Revenue Service would replace the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) with an expanded mandate to collect taxes on behalf of the federal, state and local governments.
He added that under the NTA, individuals or enterprises with a gross turnover of N100 million and fixed assets of N250 million fall within the taxable income bracket, while companies registered under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) with gross income of N50 million and fixed assets not exceeding N250 million are classified as small-scale businesses.
In a presentation, a tax expert, Prof. Kabiru Isa Dandago, said taxation remains a critical tool for income generation, infrastructural development, economic stabilisation and the reduction of inequality between the rich and the poor.
Dandago attributed negative perceptions of taxation in Nigeria to a trust deficit between citizens and the government, urging stakeholders to work towards rebuilding public confidence.
He clarified misconceptions surrounding past tax policies, noting that previous administrations did not abolish major taxes such as personal income tax, companies income tax or petroleum profit tax.
He said the reforms should be embraced, as evidence from tax-based economies shows that citizens benefit when taxes are properly utilised.
Also speaking, the KACCIMA President, Amb. Usman Hassan Darma, represented by Mr. Hassan Yau, expressed concern over the low turnout of business owners at the seminar.
He said the engagement was crucial, as the new tax reforms directly affect businesses and their long-term sustainability.
