GOV AGBU KEFAS MEETS TARABA INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE UNVEILS FIVE-YEAR STRATEGY TO BOOST TARABA'S INTERNALLY GENERATED REVENUE

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.

KACDA JALINGO BRANCH ADVOCATES GREATER POLITICAL PARTICIPATION

By Clarkson

The Kambu Cultural Development Association (KACDA), Jalingo Branch, has called on its members to take a more active role in politics as part of efforts to advance the interests and development of the Kambu people.

The call was made during the association's first general meeting for the month of August, held on Saturday at the Kambu Family House, Magami, Jalingo.

Addressing members, the Chairman of the Association, Mr. Richard Genesis Nfor, commended the impressive turnout and urged members to remain united and committed to the growth and progress of the Kambu community.

He emphasized that political participation is essential for effective representation and sustainable development, encouraging eligible members, particularly the youth, to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and actively participate in the democratic process.

Mr. Nfor also acknowledged and commended all sons and daughters of Kambu who are making meaningful contributions through active participation in politics and public service, describing them as worthy ambassadors of the community.

He particularly praised Hon. Fanuel Lawrence, describing him as an industrious son of Kambu whose commitment to politics and community development should inspire the younger generation to take an active interest in leadership and public service.

In a goodwill message, Miss Habzat expressed appreciation to the association and the Kambu community for the support and solidarity extended to her brother, Sadam, during his illness.

The meeting attracted a large turnout of elders, women, youths and members of the association, reflecting a shared commitment to unity, peace and the continued development of the Kambu people.

The meeting ended with a renewed commitment by members to strengthen unity, deepen political participation and work collectively towards the social, economic and political advancement of the Kambu community.