KOGI COMMERCE COMMISSIONER COMMITS TO STRENGTHENING REVENUE GENERATION; FORMS COMMITTEE ON REVENUE MATTERS* ‎ ‎Hon. Muhammed Muktar Shuaibu, the State Commissioner for Commerce & Industry, said the Ministry is prepared to improve the coordination of all revenue activities under its mandate. ‎ ‎He explained that the government expects every revenue process to follow due procedure, clarity, accountability, and full compliance with established laws. ‎ ‎Hon. Shuaibu noted that the engagement with stakeholders provided an opportunity to review existing structures, identify areas that require better supervision, and outline steps to enhance collaboration with the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS). ‎ ‎“The ministry must be carried along in all matters that relate to its statutory revenue responsibilities.” he stated. ‎ ‎Stakeholders spoke on field operations, coordination gaps, and the need for a clear system that allows the ministry track revenue tied to its mandate. ‎ ‎The Technical Assistant on Revenue Matters and Special Duties, Prince Dan Olaitan Dada, shared observations from the field and emphasized the importance of proper documentation, structured engagement with consultants, and improved communication between the necessary bodies concerned. ‎ ‎Olaitan noted that the ministry must have updated information on operators working on any of its revenue items and should strengthen the verification and profiling system that supports monthly revenue tracking…stating “Having full information on every operator working in the ministry’s name will help us improve monitoring and strengthen our internal processes.” ‎ ‎Directors from key departments highlighted the need for a unified reporting structure that allows the ministry maintain accurate records, stressing the importance of ensuring that zonal officers follow the approved templates, collect verifiable data, and submit reports that support proper planning and budgeting. ‎ ‎Participants also noted the value of improved collaboration with KGIRS to ensure that all statutory responsibilities of the ministry are reflected in revenue administration processes. ‎ ‎He said: “We must follow the right steps and ensure that every process aligns with the law. The ministry is committed to strengthening its structures and improving service delivery.” ‎ ‎He then announced the establishment of a special committee to coordinate the next steps. ‎ ‎‎The members are: ‎• Mr Ejeh Michael, Director Admin – Chairman ‎• Prince Dan Olaitan Dada, Technical Assistant on Revenue Matters & Special Duties – Secretary ‎• Mr Mikailu Kadri, Director Accounting – Member ‎• Mr Akowe Yakubu, Director Commerce – Member ‎• Mr Adejo Ibrahim, Director PRS – Member ‎• Moses Otiga, Lokoja Zonal Officer – Member ‎• Alhaji Usman Ayinoko, Chief Commercial Officer – Member ‎ ‎The committee will review observations from the meeting, assess existing procedures, and propose steps that strengthen the ministry’s internal systems. ‎ ‎In closing, the Permanent Secretary, Hon. Lamidi Salihu thanked all contributors and said the meeting provided a clear path to reposition the ministry’s revenue operations, emphasizing the need for teamwork, transparency, and adherence to institutional guidelines. ‎ ‎Taiye Bayode ‎Information Officer ‎Ministry of Commerce & Industry