In a resounding testament to effective governance and strategic fiscal management, the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KW-IRS) has proudly announced a staggering 36 percent year-on-year increase in the state's internally generated revenue (IGR) from 2023 to 2024. This impressive growth has propelled Kwara to the third position nationwide in subnational fiscal performance, marking a significant leap forward in the state's economic independence and sustainability.
The revelation was made by the Executive Chairman of KW-IRS, Mrs. Shade Omoniyi, during her address at the grand finale of the 2025 Tax Club Quiz Competition. The event, which drew enthusiastic participation from students across the state, was held at the bustling Ilorin Innovation Hub on Thursday. Mrs. Omoniyi highlighted how this achievement underscores the transformative impact of the current administration led by Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, whose leadership has been pivotal in elevating Kwara's fiscal health.
Delving into the details, Mrs. Omoniyi referenced the authoritative BudgIT 2025 State of States Report, a comprehensive analysis of subnational economies in Nigeria. According to the report, Kwara has climbed impressively from the 10th position in 2021 to 4th in 2023, and now secures a coveted 3rd spot in the latest rankings. This progression is not merely statistical; it reflects tangible improvements in revenue collection mechanisms, taxpayer compliance, and overall economic policies.
“Kwara achieved a 36 percent year-on-year growth in internally generated revenue between 2023 and 2024, and is now the 5th least dependent state on federally distributed revenue,” Mrs. Omoniyi stated with evident pride. She attributed these milestones directly to Governor Abdulrazaq's visionary leadership and prudent management style. “These feats are clear reflections of the Governor’s visionary leadership and prudent management style, which continue to inspire our collective drive for growth and accountability in public service,” she emphasized. Indeed, reducing dependency on federal allocations is a critical step toward fiscal autonomy, allowing states like Kwara to fund developmental projects independently and respond more agilely to local needs.
The KW-IRS chairman did not stop at celebrating past successes; she outlined forward-looking initiatives designed to sustain and enhance this momentum. A key announcement was the governor's approval for the constitution of a Stakeholders Committee. This body will be tasked with a thorough review and harmonization of all taxes, levies, rates, and charges within the state. Furthermore, it will align Kwara's tax laws with the newly enacted national tax framework and the proposed Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Bill 2025.
Mrs. Omoniyi explained that this committee's work is essential for bolstering the legal and operational foundations of the state's tax system. By ensuring fairness, transparency, and efficiency, the initiative aims to build greater citizen confidence in tax administration. In an era where public trust in government institutions is paramount, such reforms could eliminate redundancies, reduce the burden on taxpayers, and streamline collections. This proactive approach positions Kwara as a model for other states grappling with outdated or fragmented tax regimes.
Beyond revenue figures and policy reforms, the event spotlighted KW-IRS's commitment to long-term societal impact through education and youth engagement. Mrs. Omoniyi extended heartfelt commendation to the State Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development for its collaborative efforts in promoting tax education and civic responsibility among students. She described this partnership as indispensable in cultivating a generation that views taxation not as a burden, but as a civic duty essential for national progress.
The Tax Club Quiz Competition itself exemplifies this educational thrust. Participants, drawn from secondary schools across Kwara, competed in a lively quiz format testing their knowledge of taxation principles, fiscal policies, and their role in governance. Mrs. Omoniyi urged the young contestants to stay focused and diligent, noting that initiatives like this are instrumental in forging a disciplined, tax-conscious populace prepared to drive Nigeria's development forward.
Echoing these sentiments was Mrs. Funmilola Oguntunbi, the Head of Corporate Affairs and Convener of the Tax Club Committee at KW-IRS. She elaborated on the broader objectives of the quiz competition, framing it as a cornerstone of the agency's strategy to instill financial literacy and taxation awareness in the youth. “The competition is not just about winning but about understanding how taxes fund national development. Through this, we are raising informed citizens who can meaningfully contribute to governance,” Mrs. Oguntunbi remarked.
This initiative goes beyond rote learning; it embeds practical lessons on how revenues finance infrastructure, healthcare, education, and security—services that directly impact daily lives. By targeting students, KW-IRS is investing in future taxpayers and leaders who will appreciate the link between compliance and societal welfare. In a country where informal economies often evade taxation, such programs could gradually shift cultural attitudes, boosting voluntary compliance and reducing enforcement costs.
The grand finale at the Ilorin Innovation Hub was more than a competition; it was a celebration of Kwara's fiscal renaissance. Attendees included education officials, tax experts, students, and community leaders, all united in applauding the state's strides. The hub, a symbol of innovation and youth empowerment in Kwara, provided an apt backdrop, reinforcing the administration's focus on human capital development alongside economic growth.
Governor Abdulrazaq's administration has consistently prioritized transparency and accountability, as evidenced by these revenue gains. The 36 percent IGR increase translates to more resources for critical sectors: improved roads, enhanced educational facilities, better healthcare delivery, and job creation initiatives. Kwara's ranking as the 5th least dependent on federal funds means greater resilience against national economic fluctuations, such as oil price volatility.
Looking ahead, the Stakeholders Committee's work will be crucial. Harmonizing taxes could involve consolidating multiple levies into fewer, more equitable ones, eliminating double taxation, and incorporating digital tools for seamless payments. Alignment with national frameworks ensures Kwara remains compliant while advocating for state-specific needs. This could attract investors confident in a stable tax environment, further spurring economic activity.
KW-IRS's youth-focused programs, like the Tax Club, are equally strategic. With Nigeria's youthful population, early education on fiscal responsibility can yield dividends for decades. Similar models in other states have shown increased youth participation in governance and higher future compliance rates. In Kwara, this could evolve into mentorship programs, internships at KW-IRS, or even policy input from student tax clubs.
In conclusion, Kwara State's 36 percent IGR growth and third-place national ranking are milestones that highlight effective leadership under Governor Abdulrazaq. Backed by robust data from the BudgIT report, these achievements reflect prudent policies and innovative reforms. The upcoming Stakeholders Committee and ongoing educational initiatives promise sustained progress, fostering a fairer tax system and a more engaged citizenry. As Mrs. Omoniyi and Mrs. Oguntunbi articulated, this is about building a legacy of accountability, growth, and civic pride. Kwara is not just collecting more revenue; it is redefining subnational excellence in Nigeria, inspiring other states to follow suit. With continued focus on transparency, education, and inclusivity, the state is poised for even greater heights in fiscal performance and overall development.
