The Gombe State Internal Revenue Service (GSIRS) has announced the arrest of several individuals allegedly involved in the illegal collection of taxes from motorists and haulage operators, as the agency intensifies efforts to eliminate multiple taxation and boost internally generated revenue.
The Executive Chairman of GSIRS, Mrs. Aisha Adamu Yaro, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Gombe on the agency’s activities and achievements for the first half of 2026.
She said the agency had apprehended numerous suspected illegal tax collectors operating across the state, noting that while some had already been prosecuted, investigations were still ongoing against others.
“We have arrested a lot of people involved in the illegal collection of taxes. Some have been prosecuted, while investigations are still ongoing in other cases,” she said.
Highway Tax Collection Abolished
Mrs. Yaro reiterated that the collection of haulage taxes on highways has been completely abolished, warning transporters, truck drivers and business owners not to pay taxes or levies to anyone demanding payment on the road.
According to her, any individual or group mounting roadblocks or collecting taxes from motorists is acting illegally and should be reported to the authorities.
“The collection of taxes on the highway is totally abolished. No one is allowed to mount roadblocks on any highway to collect taxes from heavy trucks or any other person. It is illegal,” she stated.
She advised transporters operating within and outside Gombe State to make payments only through approved online platforms or directly to duly identified GSIRS officials.
Reform Targets Multiple Taxation
The GSIRS chairman said the abolition of roadside tax collection forms part of the state government’s ongoing tax reforms aimed at ending multiple taxation, reducing harassment of transporters and eliminating illegal revenue collection.
She explained that the reforms are expected to ease the movement of goods across the country and help lower the cost of transportation, which ultimately affects the prices of commodities.
According to her, illegal collections at multiple checkpoints had become a major burden on transporters and contributed significantly to the rising cost of goods and services.
“The reform is intended to ensure that transporters are no longer stopped repeatedly to make different payments during a single journey,” she said.
Single Haulage System Introduced
Mrs. Yaro explained that the state government introduced a Single Haulage System to streamline revenue collection and reduce the number of payment points for transporters.
Under the new arrangement, haulage charges are determined by the size or tonnage of each truck rather than multiple collections along highways.
She disclosed that the highest approved haulage levy is ₦12,800 for a 30-tonne truck, stressing that any amount demanded beyond the approved rates is unauthorized.
Only Authorised Officials Can Collect Revenue
The GSIRS boss also announced that the agency has discontinued the use of tax vendors and agents for revenue collection.
She said only officially authorised GSIRS personnel are now permitted to collect taxes on behalf of the state government, a move designed to improve accountability and reduce fraud.
The public, she added, should always verify the identity of revenue officers before making any payments.
Revenue Hits ₦20.7 Billion
Mrs. Yaro further revealed that the agency generated more than ₦20.7 billion in internally generated revenue (IGR) during the first six months of 2026.
She said the figure represents significant progress toward the state’s ₦39 billion revenue target for the year.
According to her, as of July 31, GSIRS had already surpassed the halfway mark of its annual target, reflecting steady growth in tax collection.
“Our target for 2026 is about ₦39 billion, and as of July 31, we have generated over ₦20.7 billion,” she said.
Improved Tax Administration Driving Growth
Mrs. Yaro attributed the agency’s improved revenue performance to ongoing reforms in tax administration, regular staff capacity building, stronger collaboration with relevant stakeholders and increased voluntary compliance by taxpayers.
She reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to building a transparent, efficient and technology-driven tax system that supports economic growth while protecting taxpayers from exploitation by illegal collectors.
The GSIRS chairman urged residents, transporters and business operators to cooperate with the agency by paying only approved taxes through official channels and reporting anyone involved in illegal tax collection activities to the appropriate authorities.
