For Increasing Taraba's Internally Generated Revenue, General Aliyu Faransa Is Our Public Servant of the Year

In 2024, Brigadier General Jeremiah Aliyu Faransa (Rtd), the Executive Chairman of the Taraba State Internal Revenue Service (TIRS), has emerged as a central figure in transforming Taraba's financial landscape, especially in the area of internally generated revenue (IGR). Under his leadership, the state has seen an unprecedented increase in its IGR, making him the deserved recipient of our Public Servant of the Year.

By December 2024, Taraba State's IGR has risen to N1.6 billion per month, doubling the previous figure of N800 million. This upward trajectory has been remarkable, considering that in 2023, the state's total IGR stood at N10 billion. However, due to Faransa's impactful leadership and bold revenue-enhancing strategies, it is projected that the IGR will exceed N15 billion by the end of 2024. This impressive leap highlights the efficiency and professionalism that has defined Faransa's tenure at the helm of TIRS.

Since taking office, General Faransa has overseen a transformation in how revenue is generated in Taraba. Through his leadership, the state's revenue service has not only become more efficient but also more transparent and accountable.

 One of the first major steps taken by General Faransa was the implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA). Under this system, all fines, taxes, levies, and other revenues are centralized into one IGR account, improving transparency and reducing financial leakages. This initiative has streamlined the collection and management of the state's funds, ensuring that all government revenues are properly accounted for.

Further enhancing the efficiency of the revenue generation system, General Faransa's leadership is in the process of introducing an automated tax collection system. This system will feature e-filing, online payment platforms, and an electronic Tax Clearance Certificate (e-TCC), allowing for faster, more accurate revenue tracking. The system's data analytics capabilities will help to identify areas for improvement and enable better planning for future revenue efforts. This move towards digitization is expected to ease the tax-paying process for citizens while addressing issues related to multiple taxation.

Beyond these reforms, General Faransa has introduced new taxes, including a Consumption Tax on services such as those provided by hotels, restaurants, and event centers. Property transactions have also been targeted, with efforts to ensure that taxes on property dealings are fully collected. These efforts reflect Faransa's comprehensive approach to boosting the state's revenue and ensuring fairness and consistency across the system.

The strides made under General Faransa's leadership are setting Taraba on a path toward greater financial independence. By modernizing the state's revenue collection system and introducing new tax measures, he is helping to reduce the state's reliance on federal allocations and building a stronger foundation for Taraba's economic future.

The automated tax system, which will soon be rolled out in full, is expected to provide a more seamless experience for taxpayers, improve compliance, and ultimately lead to even greater revenue generation. With this system, the state aims to capture a larger portion of its economic activities, making it more self-sufficient and sustainable in the long term.

One of the most notable impacts of General Faransa's leadership is the improved relationship between the state government and taxpayers. The new e-filing and online platforms are set to make it easier for citizens to pay their taxes, thereby increasing public compliance. These reforms will also ensure that the process is transparent, fair, and efficient. As a result, General Faransa has helped to create a system that benefits both the government and the people of Taraba.

General Faransa's tenure as Executive Chairman of the Taraba State Internal Revenue Service has paved the way for a brighter financial future for the state. With the current trajectory of revenue growth, coupled with his ongoing reforms, the state is poised to continue its upward economic trend into 2025 and beyond.

Looking ahead, TIRS plans to expand its reach even further, with more sectors being included in the automated system and further initiatives to improve tax collection. As more people get accustomed to the digital platforms and systems, the state will likely see a substantial rise in voluntary tax payments, strengthening Taraba's economic position even further.

Brigadier General Jeremiah Aliyu Faransa's innovative leadership of the Taraba State Internal Revenue Service has set a new standard for governance in the state. His efforts to increase the state's internally generated revenue through modernization, transparency, and effective tax measures have positioned Taraba for long-term economic growth. For his exceptional contributions, General Faransa is rightly honored as the Public Servant of the Year, and his work will continue to make a lasting impact on Taraba's financial future.