Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his efforts in increasing national tax revenue and advancing the federal government’s tax reform agenda.
The governor made these remarks during the 160th meeting of the Joint Revenue Board (JRB), where he highlighted the necessity of a coordinated approach to fiscal management between the federal and state governments.
During the session, Sani specifically praised Dr Zacch Adedeji, the Chairman of the JRB and the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), for his leadership. The governor described Adedeji’s approach to the reform process as demonstrating exceptional leadership and statesmanship, which he noted were critical to the successful implementation of the national revenue strategy.
Coordinating Federal and State Revenue Efforts
The Joint Revenue Board serves as the primary coordinating body between the federal government and the 36 states to harmonise tax administration. A central goal of the JRB is to eliminate multiple taxation, which has historically hindered small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and discouraged foreign direct investment in Nigeria.
The current administration’s push for tax reform is aimed at broadening the tax base and improving the tax-to-GDP ratio, which remains one of the lowest globally. By streamlining the processes through the Nigeria Revenue Service, the government intends to reduce the burden on existing taxpayers while capturing revenue from previously untapped sectors of the economy.
Governor Sani’s endorsement comes at a time when many states are seeking to increase their internally generated revenue (IGR) to reduce dependence on federal allocations. Kaduna State, in particular, has been active in digitising its revenue collection processes to ensure transparency and efficiency.
The 160th meeting of the JRB focused on these strategic alignments, discussing how the Nigeria Revenue Service can better integrate with state-level tax authorities. This integration is intended to create a seamless environment for businesses operating across state lines, ensuring that tax obligations are clear and non-duplicative.
The ongoing reforms involve the simplification of the tax code and the introduction of technology-driven collection methods. These measures are designed to reduce leakages and corruption in the revenue chain, ensuring that more funds are available for critical infrastructure and social services.
The outcomes of the JRB meetings will continue to shape the implementation of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms’ recommendations. The next phase of the agenda involves the finalisation of new tax frameworks that balance the need for increased revenue with the necessity of maintaining a competitive business environment.
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