The Gombe State Internal Revenue Service (GSIRS) has intensified its campaign against illegal tax collection, leading to the arrest and prosecution of several suspected fake tax collectors operating along major highways across the state.
The crackdown is part of broader reforms aimed at sanitising the state’s revenue collection system, eliminating leakages, and protecting businesses and transport operators from exploitation by unauthorised individuals.
As part of the reforms, GSIRS has officially abolished tax collection at roadblocks, describing the practice as inconsistent with its new revenue administration framework. The agency warned transporters, traders, and members of the public not to make tax payments to anyone demanding money on highways or other unauthorised locations.
According to the service, only duly authorised GSIRS personnel are permitted to collect taxes on behalf of the Gombe State Government. The agency urged residents and business owners to verify the identity of tax officials before making any payments and to report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
In another major policy shift, GSIRS announced the introduction of a single haulage payment system to replace multiple tax payments previously encountered by transport operators.
The initiative is expected to reduce the financial burden on businesses, eliminate multiple taxation, curb harassment of drivers, and improve the movement of goods within and outside the state.
The agency also confirmed that it has ended the use of vendors and third-party agents in tax collection. The decision is intended to strengthen transparency, improve accountability, and ensure that all government revenue is collected through officially approved channels.
The reforms appear to be yielding positive results. GSIRS disclosed that it generated more than N20.7 billion in internally generated revenue during the first six months of 2026, reflecting improved efficiency in revenue administration and stronger compliance among taxpayers.
Building on that performance, the agency said it is targeting approximately N39 billion in internally generated revenue by the end of the year, expressing confidence that ongoing reforms, enhanced enforcement, and increased public awareness will help achieve the ambitious target.
The latest measures underscore the state’s determination to create a transparent, business-friendly tax system while tackling illegal revenue collection practices that have long posed challenges to taxpayers and government revenue.