…as IGR doubles
Kano State has made a remarkable stride in its finances, doubling its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in 2024 to become one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing revenue states.
This development comes as many states nationwide struggle to boost their fiscal independence.
Data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and corroborated by Statista reveals that Kano’s IGR surged by 100%, moving from ₦37.38 billion in 2023 to ₦74.77 billion in 2024.
According to a statement issued by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s Special Adviser on Information, Ibrahim Adam, the impressive growth is a direct result of the administration’s immediate focus on fiscal reforms after taking office.
Adam credited the turnaround to a comprehensive overhaul of the Kano State Internal Revenue Service (KIRS) and the strategic appointment of high-performing personnel to manage the state’s revenue collection.
“The administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, immediately after being sworn in, swung into action and doubled the state’s revenue generation by overhauling the Kano State Internal Revenue Service,” Adam stated. “The Governor employed one of the best hands to handle the state’s revenue generation, hence the result of Kano topping the chart in 2024.”
The Governor’s Information Manager emphasized that the financial success was achieved primarily by blocking leakages and loopholes, rather than burdening the populace with new taxes.
He specifically noted the government’s caution against taxing low-income earners, such as Adaidaita Sahu tricycle riders, who faced exploitation under the previous administration.
“People are asking where the government is getting the funds for infrastructural projects—this is the only way,” Adam said, highlighting that the doubled IGR is now the main driver for funding ongoing infrastructural development across the state.
The 100% growth rate places Kano second among the leading movers for IGR growth in 2024, only behind Enugu State, which recorded an impressive 433% growth to ₦180.50 billion.
While Kano’s absolute IGR of ₦74.77 billion marks a significant leap from the ₦37.38 billion recorded in 2023, the state stands out for its dramatic percentage growth.