By James Adamu
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai was again in the news for the wrong reason, with his recent outlandish claim that the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR) has plummeted from N7 billion to N2 billion under the current administration of Governor Uba Sani. He also falsely claimed that N100 million had been illicitly transferred from the state’s revenue account to an unidentified individual. However, these assertions have been debunked by the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS), which has provided clear evidence to the contrary.
El-Rufai’s accusations appear to be politically motivated rather than grounded in reality. By presenting exaggerated figures, he seeks to undermine the credibility of the current administration, but the numbers tell a different story. The Executive Chairman of KADIRS, Jerry Adams, has categorically refuted these claims, revealing that revenue collection has, in fact, increased since El-Rufai left office.
According to Adams, between 2019 and 2023, the highest annual revenue collected under El-Rufai’s administration was N59 billion in 2022, translating to an average monthly revenue of N4.9 billion—not the N7 billion that the former governor claimed. Furthermore, a significant portion of revenue during that period was derived from back-duty recoveries and the sale of government properties, totaling N45 billion. These were one-time inflows, not consistent revenue sources.
In contrast, under Governor Uba Sani’s leadership, the state’s IGR has shown sustainable growth. Kaduna generated N62.48 billion in 2023 and N71 billion in 2024, with an average monthly collection of N5.2 billion and N6 billion, respectively. This upward trajectory discredits El-Rufai’s assertion that revenue collection has collapsed.
One of the most damaging claims made by El-Rufai is that N100 million was illegally transferred to an unknown individual from the state’s IGR account. This allegation is not only baseless but also misleading. As Adams explained, Kaduna’s revenue collection system is entirely automated. All payments are made through the PAYKADUNA portal and other channels, which are instantly swept into the state’s Treasury Single Account (TSA). Since the IGR account is a collection/transit account rather than an expenditure account, unauthorized withdrawals or transfers to individuals are not possible.
By making such unverified accusations, El-Rufai is not just attacking the current administration but also undermining the integrity of Kaduna’s financial institutions. The implication that funds could be siphoned off so easily suggests either a lack of understanding of the system’s operations or a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.
If anything, the numbers indicate that Kaduna’s revenue mobilization has improved under Uba Sani. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) ranked Kaduna as the leading state in internally generated revenue in northern Nigeria in 2023. While the figures for 2024 are still being verified, early indicators suggest continued improvement.
For January and February 2025 alone, Kaduna has already collected N7.46 billion and N6.68 billion, respectively, totaling N14.16 billion in just two months—without any reliance on back-duty recoveries. This represents a significant milestone in the state’s revenue performance, reflecting effective governance and strategic revenue mobilization efforts.
Rather than relying on one-time recoveries and asset sales, the Uba Sani administration is focusing on sustainable revenue generation. One of the key steps in this direction is the centralization of all IGR-related data into a single database, a first-of-its-kind initiative in Nigeria. This system will enhance revenue forecasting, improve tax administration, and ensure data-driven decision-making, all of which contribute to long-term economic stability.
The former governor is undoubtedly driven by envy and malice. El-Rufai’s tenure as governor was marked by controversial policies and financial decisions.
Furthermore, his administration was plagued by concerns about transparency and accountability. Critics argue that his aggressive approach to governance often prioritized grand projects over the financial well-being of the state. If anything, the current administration is left to clean up the financial inconsistencies of his era and build a more sustainable revenue system.
El-Rufai’s latest accusations should be seen in the broader context of Nigeria’s political landscape. It is not uncommon for former governors to criticize their successors in an attempt to remain relevant or push their political agendas. By painting a picture of economic mismanagement, El-Rufai may be positioning himself for future political influence or attempting to discredit Governor Uba Sani’s administration.
However, such tactics do more harm than good. Unfounded allegations not only create unnecessary panic among the public but also discourage investors and development partners from engaging with the state. Instead of spreading misinformation, political figures like El-Rufai should engage in constructive dialogue and support initiatives that strengthen the state’s financial health.
El-Rufai’s attempt to discredit the Kaduna State government’s revenue performance is not only misleading but also counterproductive. The facts contradict his claims, and the numbers demonstrate that revenue collection has actually improved under Governor Uba Sani.
Rather than resorting to baseless accusations, El-Rufai should acknowledge the strides made by KADIRS in strengthening the state’s financial stability. Governance should be about progress and continuity, not political point-scoring at the expense of facts and public confidence.
Kaduna’s journey toward sustainable revenue generation is well underway, and the current administration is making deliberate efforts to ensure consistency and growth. The focus should be on maintaining and improving these achievements rather than engaging in political distractions. It is time for responsible leadership that prioritizes the welfare of the state over personal political interests.
• James Adamu writes from Abuja