Kaduna citizens dismiss El-Rufai’s IGR claims
By Austine Agbo Emmanuel, Kaduna
Kaduna residents and stakeholders have dismissed former Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s claim that the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has dropped to ₦2 billion, describing it as misleading and politically motivated.
Under the leadership of Comrade Jerry Adams, Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS), official records indicate that the state’s IGR has remained stable and continues to grow, reaching an all-time high of ₦71 billion in 2024.
Contrary to claims of a decline, revenue figures from KADIRS reveal a steady increase over the years. In 2022, Kaduna State recorded a total IGR of ₦59 billion, averaging ₦4.9 billion monthly. By 2023, revenue collection rose to ₦62 billion, surpassing previous records. The state set a new milestone in 2024, reaching ₦71 billion, the highest ever recorded.
The upward trajectory has continued in 2025, with revenue generation maintaining impressive figures. In January alone, Kaduna generated ₦7.4 billion, while ₦6.6 billion was collected in February, proving that the state’s revenue performance remains on solid ground.
These figures, sourced from official data, contradict the assertion that Kaduna’s financial performance is dwindling. Many stakeholders argue that the allegations against the current administration are aimed at discrediting Governor Uba Sani’s efforts to improve the state’s revenue system.
Religious leaders, business owners, and civil society groups have strongly condemned what they describe as a smear campaign against Jerry Adams and the state government.
Rev. Simon Bako, Senior Pastor, Kaduna Unity Gospel Church, said “It is ungodly to spread falsehoods against a hardworking public servant. Jerry Adams has reformed revenue collection with integrity.”
Sheikh Musa Ibrahim, Imam, Al-Furqan Mosque, Kafanchan, also added that, “Kaduna’s revenue numbers don’t lie—only politicians do. The facts are there for all to see.”
Leaders of women traders Association, Mama Hauwa Dogo, also lauded the efforts of the current administration, noting that “we traders remember how we were burdened with excessive levies in the past. Adams has brought fairness to the system.”
Rising through the ranks at Nigerian Bottling Company (Coca-Cola), Adams managed state and regional operations before joining KADIRS as an Executive Director in 2020.
