KTIRS Chairman bags 2026 Ebony Herald Hall of Fame, Dignity Award, dedicates honour to Gov. Radda, credits his support for revenue reforms
The Executive Chairman of the Katsina State Internal Revenue Service (KTIRS), Alhaji Muhammad Isyaku, has received the 2026 Ebony Herald Hall of Fame and Dignity Award in recognition of his leadership, professional excellence and contributions to public service.
The award was presented at the National Merit Award Secretariat (Merit House), Maitama, Abuja, where the Governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, was represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir.
Speaking after receiving the award, Isyaku dedicated the honour to Governor Radda, acknowledging his leadership, policy direction and sustained support for institutional reforms and improved revenue administration in the state.
He particularly commended the Governor for prioritising the repositioning of KTIRS, noting that his administration’s support had strengthened the agency’s operational capacity, staff development and adoption of modern revenue administration practices.
“The Governor’s commitment to strengthening KTIRS reflects his broader vision of building a sustainable revenue system capable of supporting government programmes, reducing dependence on external resources and improving service delivery,” he said.
Isyaku explained that the agency’s transformation agenda focuses on strengthening transparency, blocking revenue leakages, expanding the tax base and deploying technology-driven systems to improve revenue collection and accountability.
“Our objective is not merely to increase revenue, but to establish a fair, transparent and accountable system that encourages voluntary compliance and makes it easier for taxpayers to fulfil their obligations,” he added.
The KTIRS Chairman also dedicated the recognition to the people of Katsina State, particularly taxpayers, whose contributions he described as essential to revenue growth and sustainable development.
He called on individuals, businesses and corporate organisations to embrace voluntary tax compliance, stressing that effective persuasion and public sensitisation were essential to achieving the objective.
“Persuasion and sensitisation are very important in tax administration. If you do not persuade people, they may not pay; and if you do not sensitise them, they may remain unaware of their tax responsibilities. People need to understand why they should pay taxes and how their contributions benefit society,” he explained.
He further noted that taxes remain critical to financing infrastructure, improving healthcare, strengthening education, enhancing security and delivering essential public services.
Isyaku urged residents and businesses to pay their taxes promptly, emphasising that every legitimate contribution supports government development programmes and the building of a better Katsina State.
The Chairman also acknowledged the contributions of KTIRS management and staff, describing the award as recognition of their collective professionalism, dedication and commitment to improving revenue generation and service delivery.
He thanked the organisers for the recognition, assuring that the honour would further inspire the agency to sustain its reforms towards building a more efficient, transparent and responsive revenue administration system.
Those in attendance included the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), Professor M.K. Othman; Special Adviser on Political Matters, Funtua Zone, Hon. Habibu Sule; Alhaji Babangida Funtua; the Sarkin Yamman Katsina and District Head of Faskari, Alhaji Aminu Tukur; Chairman of Visdav Consultancy, Mr. Segun Awosanya; Technical Assistant to the KTIRS Executive Chairman, Alhaji Abbati Yusuf; and Executive Director, Digital and Statistics, Alhaji Kabir Isa Fago, alongside other KTIRS staff.
Also present were representatives of the Ministers of Interior and Information, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and Alhaji Mohammed Idris, respectively; the Vice-Chancellor of ICONIC Open University, Abuja; and other distinguished personalities.
