The Taraba State Internal Revenue Service has intensified its campaign against illegal tax collection, warning residents and business owners not to pay taxes into private accounts. Chairman of the Board, Brig. Gen. Jeremiah Faransa (retd.), delivered the message in Jalingo during a sensitisation drive on new tax reforms, which brought together traders’ associations, market women, bankers, and other stakeholders. He stressed that only approved government channels should be used for payments, adding that anyone caught diverting revenue or collecting taxes through personal accounts would face prosecution.
Faransa explained that the reforms are designed to strengthen public confidence in the state’s revenue system and ensure transparency in the management of funds. He urged residents to embrace the changes, noting that taxation is vital for development and the delivery of public services. He assured that the government is committed to using revenue generated for infrastructure and other social needs.
Participants at the campaign welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely and necessary to curb illegal practices that undermine the state’s finances. They said the awareness drive would help improve compliance among taxpayers and reduce exploitation by unauthorised collectors. Similar campaigns in states such as Lagos and Kano have been used to tackle revenue leakages, promote accountability, and encourage voluntary compliance.
Analysts say Taraba’s move reflects a broader national push to modernise tax systems, with the federal government recently unveiling digital platforms to boost compliance and protect taxpayers. By reinforcing transparency and accountability, the state hopes to build a stronger revenue base to support economic growth and public service delivery, while sending a clear warning that fraudulent practices will not be tolerated.
