Taraba State Governor, His Excellency Dr. Agbu Kefas, on Thursday 6th August, 2026 met with the Management Staff of the Taraba state Internal Revenue Service during Executive Council Meeting held at the Exco Chamber TY Danjuma House Jalingo.
During the meeting the Chairman of the Taraba State Internal Revenue Service, General Jeremiah Faransa, retired presented the Board's Five-Year Strategic Revenue Generation Plan.
In his remarks Governor Dr Agbu kefas reaffirmed his administration's commitment to strengthening internally generated revenue, describing a robust revenue system as critical to sustaining government programmes, improving security and reducing dependence on federal allocations.
Governor Kefas commended the chairman and members of the board for their dedication and the sacrifices they have made in repositioning the state's revenue administration.
He said he deliberately assembled experienced professionals to lead the revenue agency because of the important role it plays in the state's development, expressing satisfaction with the progress recorded so far.
The Governor assured the board of his administration's full support and directed the Commissioner for Finance to provide the logistics and operational support required to enable the agency carry out its mandate effectively.
Dr. Agbu Kefas noted that the state's free education policy remains one of the administration's most significant investments, stressing that government must first demonstrate responsibility, transparency and accountability before seeking support from development partners and donor agencies.
According to him, the growing responsibilities of government, particularly in maintaining security and delivering essential services, require a stronger revenue base.
He emphasized that improved internally generated revenue is necessary for the government to meet its obligations, adding that Taraba State can no longer depend largely on monthly federal allocations.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Taraba State Board of Internal Revenue Service, retired General Jeremiah Faransa, said the board is the only agency legally empowered to collect revenue on behalf of the state.
He recalled that when the present board assumed office, Taraba ranked among the lowest states in the country in internally generated revenue.
Faransa explained that the board discovered widespread leakages in the revenue collection system, with multiple individuals and agencies collecting revenue outside a coordinated framework.
He disclosed that strategic reforms introduced by the board have increased the state's monthly internally generated revenue.
The chairman attributed the improvement to measures such as blocking revenue leakages and introducing the Treasury Single Account (TSA), which replaced the previous system where ministries, departments and agencies operated multiple bank accounts.
Also speaking, a Director of the Board, Japhet Theophilus, presented the Five-Year Strategic Revenue Generation Plan, outlining reforms and strategies designed to further expand Taraba State's revenue base and strengthen fiscal sustainability.
The presentation highlights the state's determination to build a more efficient revenue system capable of supporting development priorities, funding key social programmes and ensuring long term economic stability.
Zainab Jalingo Esq.
HC.MOIR Taraba State.
