Gov. Kefas Unveils Automated Tax System to Boost Taraba Revenue

In a bold move to revolutionize revenue collection, the Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has launched a Revenue Administration and Central Billing System at the Taraba State Internal Revenue Service (TSIRS) headquarters in Jalingo.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Governor Kefas said the automation would improve efficiency, block leakages, enhance transparency, and boost the state's internally generated revenue (IGR).

He described the initiative as "a new chapter in mobilizing resources to build the Taraba of our dreams," adding that with increased revenue, the government could invest more in education, infrastructure, healthcare, and security.

The governor called on residents and indigenes in the diaspora to support the system, stressing that collective contributions were vital to the state's development. He also appealed to business owners, civil servants, and other stakeholders to cooperate with the new system for it to achieve its purpose.

Also speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of TSIRS, Brigadier General Jeremiah Aliyu Faransa (Rtd), said the system would provide seamless online and mobile payment options for taxpayers, integrate with secure platforms such as Remita and PayDirect, deploy a centralized taxpayer database for accurate records and compliance, and use biometric verification to eliminate identity fraud.

He assured that every kobo collected would be accounted for, every taxpayer treated fairly, and all revenue efforts translated into tangible development for the people of Taraba State.

Faransa described the automation as a "turning point" for revenue generation, transparency, and service delivery in the state. He noted that earlier reforms had already boosted Taraba's IGR, but the new system would go further by enabling secure electronic payments, issuing real-time receipts, and closing loopholes that previously allowed leakages.

A major highlight of the event was the commissioning of equipment for the automated tax system and the inspection of new structures at the TSIRS headquarters.