The outgoing Chairman of Kaduna North Local Government Area, Muktar Baloni has emphasised the crucial role of Internally Generated Revenue in the success of local government administrations, particularly in urban areas.
At his end-of-tenure presentation titled “Achievements, Challenges, and Recommendations,” held at the Council Secretariat, in Kaduna on Tuesday, Baloni stressed that IGR helped supplement shortfalls when federal funds were insufficient, enabling the council to execute meaningful projects for the community.
“I am calling on my successor to take IGR seriously. Without it, meaningful service to the people will be impossible.
“The key for council chairmen is to enhance their revenue generation to better serve the community,” Baloni said.
He noted that the overbearing nature of the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service in revenue administration needed critical review for better efficiency.
“Currently, the tax law allows KADIRS to appoint both the chairperson and secretary of a local government revenue committee; this should be changed to reflect local government councils’ ownership of their respective tax administration regimes,” Baloni noted.
He cited the arbitrary suspension of Kaduna North’s Revenue Committee in May/June as a major factor in the decline of the council’s revenue performance.
“This is why I’m calling on the new council chairman to fix IGR generation,” Baloni reiterated.
Speaking further, the Chairman added that to address revenue administration challenges, there was a need for an annual revenue summit for all local government revenue administration stakeholders.
“This summit will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to appraise the system and make necessary changes for improved revenue performance across the state,” he explained.
Baloni highlighted his successes during his three-year tenure, including increasing IGR, which supported other government funds.
“I am proud to say that I left no liabilities for my successor,” he said while adding “The sale and lease of assets were conducted to fund capital projects and settle existing contractual obligations in line with KADPPA-approved guidelines and laws.”
The District Head of Kawo, Alhaji Mohammed Jibril Magaji, praised Baloni’s performance, particularly in improving security, education, and health services.
“Politicians should embrace the culture of continuity for the benefit of the people”, Magaji said.
