The Jigawa Joint Task Committee has commenced a two-day capacity-building training for local government chairmen and policymakers. The two-day capacity program focused on the new Nigeria Tax Reform Act (NTA) 2025, which is scheduled to take effect nationwide on January 1, 2026.

The training gathered a contingent of state and local revenue stakeholders, including all 27 local government chairmen of Jigawa State, led by the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), revenue officers, and key policy and tax experts.

The core objective of the session was multifaceted: to enhance understanding of the NTA 2025 and its specific implications for local government administration, strengthen collaboration between state and local tiers for revenue harmonization and joint administration, and improve the technical capacity of local government leaders in deploying modern revenue processes and digital systems.

During the event, the Executive Chairman of the Jigawa Internal Revenue Service (JIRS), Dr. Nasir Sabo Idris, commended the state government’s leadership for its commitment to fiscal autonomy.

“I wish to acknowledge the immense support of His Excellency, Governor Malam Umar Namadi, FCA,” Dr. Idris said.

According to Dr. Idris, Jigawa Governor’s commitment to revenue generation has been unwavering, ensuring a consistent improvement in the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

Dr. Idris pointed out that the upcoming launch of JigiTax, a wholly digital platform designed to streamline and modernize revenue collection across Jigawa State, is underway.

He said the move is seen as a direct response to strengthening transparency and blocking revenue leakages.

On his part, the Jigawa State Commissioner for Local Government, Ibrahim Graba Hannun-Giwa, whose address was delivered by the Director of Research, Malam Samaila Yusuf, said:

“The Ministry of Local Government is doing all it takes to continue supporting the visionary policies of Governor Namadi and driving policies that will shore up the revenue base of our local governments,” Malam Yusuf stated, emphasizing a unified approach to fiscal strength.

The dividends of the collaborative efforts were highlighted by the ALGON Chairman, who also serves as the Chairman of Dutse Local Government.

Speaking to newsmen, he asserted that the state’s disciplined approach had fundamentally altered the financial landscape at the grassroots level.

“With the commitment shown by Governor Namadi and the diligent efforts of the Jigawa Joint Revenue Committee, no local government in Jigawa now seeks intervention,” the ALGON Chairman declared.

He said, “Revenue loopholes are being systematically blocked, and improved compliance by different stakeholders, including markets and motor parks remitting their taxes, has significantly boosted our revenue drive.”

He further confirmed that the local governments had already undertaken a series of awareness trainings for all relevant stakeholders to ensure a seamless transition to the NTA 2025.

Barrister Aliyu Abdullahi said the in a paper presentation titled “State and Local Government in the Law,” by a legal practitioner. The paper specifically called for the legislative institutionalization of the Jigawa Joint Revenue Committee by the State House of Assembly. This institutional backing, the practitioner argued, would solidify the collaborative framework for revenue harmonization and ensure its longevity beyond the current administration.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo hosted the national working committee (NWC) of a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at his residence in Abeokuta, Ogun state.

The PDP faction visited the former president on Saturday, and Kabiru Turaki led the delegation.

Those among the delegation are: Muazu Aliyu, former Niger governor; Jonah Jang, former governor of Plateau; Adolphus Wabara, former senate president, and many more.

Interacting with the delegation, Obasanjo commended the faction’s effort, adding that its members should “soldier on”.

The former president also urged the faction to remain steadfast in instilling discipline in the party, adding that:

“anybody who wants to belong to a political party must adhere strictly to its rules and regulations”.

The Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, has confirmed that a forum of former local government speakers in Kano State, who served during the tenure of former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, have formally endorsed him as the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 elections.

Senator Barau disclosed this while receiving the delegation, led by Hon. Shuaibu Haruna Gamarya, Chairman of the forum, at his office in the National Assembly, Abuja. He described their visit as a demonstration of unity and commitment to the progress of Kano State.

According to Senator Barau, the delegation, comprising 32 former House Leaders, came with a clear and united message of support. He explained that the group not only declared total backing for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term bid but also adopted him as the APC gubernatorial candidate for Kano in 2027.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Hon. Shuaibu Haruna Gamarya said the forum had overwhelming confidence in Senator Barau’s leadership. He described him as “a senator for all, who, irrespective of constituency, offers support for the well-being and development of Kano State and its people.” Gamarya added: “You are our gubernatorial candidate and governor come May 29, 2027, Insha Allah.”

The forum’s Secretary, Hon. Usman Muazu Garin Malam, reaffirmed their grassroots commitment, stating: “We, the house leaders, hereby support President Tinubu’s second-term bid and endorse you as the sole APC gubernatorial candidate. All we need is your support, and we will mobilise the grassroots for you.”

Former Speaker of Tofa LGA, Hon. Shehu Halilu, highlighted Senator Barau’s developmental projects across communities. He said: “The bridge you built in our village is saving lives. Your interventions touch women, men, children, farmers, and teachers everywhere. This is why we want you as the next governor of Kano.”

Halilu subsequently moved a motion for the formal adoption of Senator Barau’s candidature for 2027. The motion was seconded by Hon. Sunusi Abdu, former leader of Garko LGA, who declared: “Anybody that is against you is an enemy of Kano and an enemy of APC. That person is also against President Tinubu.”

Alhaji Salihu Sagir Takai, coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative in Kano, also lent his voice to the endorsement. He urged party members and stakeholders to work together for APC’s victory in the state, saying: “Choosing Senator Barau as Governor is the best decision for Kano, and promoting his candidature is a duty for all lovers of our state.”

In his remarks, Senator Barau expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah and thanked the forum for their courage, unity, and unwavering belief in Kano’s future. He reminded them of the shared responsibility to restore Kano to its rightful place as a centre of commerce, education, industry, good governance, and social progress.

“With dedication, sincerity, and unity of purpose, we will build a stronger, safer, and more prosperous Kano,” Senator Barau said, praying for Allah’s guidance and success in the journey ahead.