… Says Governor’s Support Has Transformed Revenue Administration in Katsina
By: Abdullahi InuwaÂ
The Executive Chairman of the Katsina State Internal Revenue Service (KTIRS), Alhaji Muhammad Isyaku, has clinched the prestigious 2026 Ebony Herald Hall of Fame and Dignity Award in recognition of his outstanding leadership, professional excellence and contributions to public service.
The award was presented at the National Merit Award Secretariat, Merit House, Maitama, Abuja, with the Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, represented at the ceremony by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir.
Speaking after receiving the honour, Isyaku dedicated the award to Governor Radda, describing his administration’s commitment, policy direction and institutional support as major driving forces behind the ongoing transformation of the state’s revenue administration system.
He particularly applauded the governor for prioritising the repositioning of KTIRS, saying the administration’s support had enhanced the agency’s operational capacity, strengthened staff development and accelerated the adoption of modern revenue collection practices.
According to him, the recognition goes beyond an individual achievement, as it reflects the collective efforts of the Katsina State Government and KTIRS personnel towards building a sustainable and transparent revenue system.
Isyaku explained that the agency was implementing far-reaching reforms aimed at blocking revenue leakages, expanding the tax base, strengthening accountability and deploying technology-driven systems to improve revenue generation.
“Our objective is not merely to increase revenue, but to establish a fair, transparent and accountable system that encourages voluntary compliance and makes it easier for taxpayers to fulfil their obligations,” he said.
The KTIRS chairman also dedicated the recognition to the people of Katsina State, particularly taxpayers, whose contributions he described as the backbone of the state’s revenue growth and sustainable development.
He urged individuals, businesses and corporate organisations to embrace voluntary tax compliance, stressing that public awareness and effective engagement remained critical to successful tax administration.
“Persuasion and sensitisation are very important in tax administration. If you do not persuade people, they may not pay; and if you do not sensitise them, they may remain unaware of their tax responsibilities,” Isyaku explained.
He maintained that residents needed to understand not only their tax obligations but also how their contributions translate into improved infrastructure, healthcare, education, security and other essential public services.
The revenue chief therefore called on taxpayers to fulfil their obligations promptly, noting that every legitimate contribution would support the government’s development programmes and efforts to build a better Katsina State.
He equally commended the management and staff of KTIRS for their dedication, professionalism and teamwork, describing the award as a collective recognition of their commitment to institutional reforms and improved service delivery.
Isyaku thanked the organisers for finding him worthy of the honour, assuring that the recognition would further strengthen his resolve to sustain reforms and position KTIRS as a more efficient, transparent and responsive revenue-generating institution.
Among dignitaries at the ceremony were the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), Professor M.K. Othman; Special Adviser on Political Matters, Funtua Zone, Hon. Habibu Sule; Alhaji Babangida Funtua; the Sarkin Yamman Katsina and District Head of Faskari, Alhaji Aminu Tukur; and Chairman of Visdav Consultancy, Mr. Segun Awosanya.
Others included the Technical Assistant to the KTIRS Executive Chairman, Alhaji Abbati Yusuf; Executive Director, Digital and Statistics, Alhaji Kabir Isa Fago; representatives of the Ministers of Interior and Information, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and Alhaji Mohammed Idris, respectively; the Vice-Chancellor of ICONIC Open University, Abuja, alongside other distinguished personalities and KTIRS staff.
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