Taraba State has achieved a major breakthrough in expanding its revenue base as informal sector operators across Jalingo, the state capital, have unanimously agreed to begin paying taxes following an extensive sensitization and awareness campaign. The campaign, spearheaded by the Taraba State Board of Internal Revenue in collaboration with i4cus, targeted traders, artisans, transport operators, market women, and other stakeholders within the informal sector. It was designed to educate residents on the importance of tax compliance and the critical role tax revenue plays in financing government programmes and development projects.
Overcoming Challenges in Tax Collection
For years, tax collection from the informal sector has remained a challenge in many parts of the country due to limited awareness, misconceptions about taxation, and concerns over accountability. However, the recent engagement in Jalingo appears to have changed perceptions among many grassroots entrepreneurs. Officials involved in the exercise explained that the outreach programme was specifically designed to ensure that business owners at the grassroots level fully understood their civic responsibilities and the benefits of contributing to the state’s development through tax payments.
Positive Response from Participants
Speaking with The Guardian after the sensitization sessions, several participants expressed their readiness to comply with tax obligations. They noted that the campaign provided much needed clarification on tax policies, while also addressing concerns regarding transparency and the utilization of public funds. Many of the operators acknowledged that they previously viewed taxation as an unnecessary burden due to inadequate information. However, they said the awareness campaign helped them appreciate the connection between tax revenue and the provision of public infrastructure, healthcare, education, and other social services.
Milestone in Revenue Mobilization
Organizers of the campaign described the positive response as a significant milestone in the state’s revenue mobilization efforts. They expressed optimism that the growing acceptance of taxation among informal sector operators would broaden the tax net, increase internally generated revenue, and provide additional resources for developmental projects across Taraba state. The Executive Chairman of the Taraba State Board of Internal Revenue, Brigadier General (Rtd.) Jeremiah Aliyu Faransa, commended the willingness of residents to embrace tax compliance. He emphasized that sustainable development requires active participation from all segments of society and called for continued collaboration between government agencies, community-based organizations, and the private sector.
Faransa further stressed the need for sustained public enlightenment campaigns to strengthen trust between taxpayers and government institutions, noting that transparency and accountability remain essential in encouraging voluntary tax compliance. As Taraba state continues its quest for economic growth and self sufficiency, the successful engagement of the informal sector may prove to be a turning point in efforts to build a stronger and more inclusive tax culture among citizens.
