Kogi internally generated revenue hits N3.5bn

By Richard Elesho

The Kogi State Internal Revenue Service, KGIRS, has announced an increase in its revenue generation from N700m in 2021 to more than N3.5 billion in 2026.

KGIRS has also clarified that allegations of financial misconduct and administrative irregularities within the agency are false, misleading, and aimed at tarnishing its leadership.

The Executive Chairman of KGIRS, Dr. Salihu Sule Enehe stated at a press conference in Lokoja.

Speaking through his director in charge of income tax, Mr. Emmanuel Yusufu, he explained that the service operates under clearly defined rules and procedures guiding staff conduct and administrative processes.

He noted that the Executive Chairman is not directly involved in investigating erring staff, as such responsibilities are constitutionally assigned to the Directorate of Legal Services, which reviews cases of misconduct and makes recommendations to management.

He emphasized that the Service maintains zero tolerance for indiscipline, adding that staff postings and redeployments are routine administrative measures carried out in line with established policies, not at the discretion of any individual.

On staff development, the agency reiterated its commitment to continuous training and capacity building.

According to him, training remains a critical component of institutional growth, with several staff currently undergoing various professional development programmes.

Reacting to allegations of revenue diversion, the KGIRS management categorically denied claims that the Executive Chairman operates personal accounts for state funds. Mr. Yusufu clarified that all revenue collections are paid into government-approved accounts supervised by the Office of the State Accountant General.

“The Service maintains accounts across multiple banks strictly for ease of revenue collection, and all funds are remitted directly to the Kogi State Government. The Executive Chairman is not a signatory to any of these accounts,” he stated.

He further justified recent office renovations and procurement of furniture, noting that the agency, having operated for over a decade, undertakes periodic upgrades to maintain a conducive working environment.

The Service also condemned what it described as a campaign of cyber defamation, warning that those responsible for spreading unverified allegations would be held accountable under the law.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and improved revenue generation, stressing that it would not be distracted from its statutory mandate by what it termed baseless accusations.