Governor [Umar Namadi](https://jigawastate.gov.ng/governor) gave the green light for the recruitment of 350 temporary employees into the Jigawa State Internal Revenue Service (JIRS) to plug manpower shortages and improve tax administration across the state. The decision was disclosed during a stakeholders’ town‑hall meeting in Dutse that focused on the implementation of the 2025 tax reforms and the enhancement of the Taxpayer Grievance Redress Mechanism.
**What prompted the recruitment?**
The Executive Chairman of JIRS, [Dr Nasiru Saba Idris](https://jirs.jigawastate.gov.ng/about), explained that the hiring plan is embedded in the current state budget. It responds to concerns raised by civil‑society groups and development partners about the agency’s insufficient staffing levels.
**How will the new staff be utilised?**
Idris said the additional workforce will expand the service’s operational capacity, foster better engagement with taxpayers and ultimately raise revenue collection figures throughout Jigawa. He noted that the town‑hall was convened to gather feedback on tax administration processes, especially the handling of taxpayer complaints.
**What capacity‑building activities were included?**
The programme featured a two‑day training session for JIRS personnel, followed by a separate two‑day capacity‑building workshop for civil‑society organisations. The subsequent town‑hall brought together revenue officials, taxpayers, NGOs and local‑government revenue officers.
**Which partners supported the reforms?**
Idris praised development partners for their assistance in tax‑administration reforms, highlighting that their contributions have aided capacity building and the domestication of the national [2025 tax reforms](https://www.firs.gov.ng). He added that the meeting also served to evaluate the existing [Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grievance_redress_mechanism) and pinpoint areas for improvement.
**How can taxpayers lodge complaints?**
Currently, taxpayers may submit grievances via telephone, WhatsApp, email or an online complaint form. Idris indicated that the service is exploring technology‑driven solutions to make the system more accessible, especially for residents of remote communities.
**What stance does the agency take on harassment?**
Addressing allegations of intimidation by some tax collectors, Idris warned that such behaviour is intolerable and contrary to lawful tax administration. He urged any taxpayer who experiences harassment, intimidation or extortion to report the incident through the GRM channels for investigation and appropriate action. Reporting also helps verify whether individuals demanding taxes are authorised revenue officials.
**What is the broader objective?**
Idris reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to restoring public confidence in tax administration through prompt complaint resolution, continuous stakeholder engagement and professional conduct among revenue staff. The recruitment and reform initiatives are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen tax administration in Jigawa State following the rollout of the 2025 tax reform laws, with a focus on protecting taxpayer rights, enhancing accountability and boosting revenue mobilisation.