By Joy Salami
The Kogi State Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has established a Special Committee on Revenue Matters to strengthen the state’s revenue base, enhance transparency and ensure better coordination among it’s departments.
The Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Hon. Muhammed Shuaibu, disclosed this in Lokoja during a stakeholder engagement meeting with Directors, Zonal Officers, and Technical advisers. He said the move was part of ongoing reforms to promote accountability and discipline in all revenue-related activities under the ministry’s supervision.
Hon. Shuaibu emphasised that the era of poor supervision, weak coordination, and unclear revenue processes within the ministry was over. He insisted that all revenue operations must comply with established laws and that the ministry must be duly carried along in every activity related to its statutory responsibilities.
Every revenue process must follow due procedure, clarity, and accountability. The ministry is committed to strengthening its structures and improving service delivery, the Commissioner stated.
The meeting focused on reviewing the ministry’s revenue framework, identifying gaps in coordination, and fostering collaboration with the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS) to enhance collection efficiency and curb leakages.
Stakeholders underscored the need for stronger synergy between field officers and the headquarters, stressing that without accurate records, effective communication, and proper supervision, the ministry’s revenue goals could be compromised.
On his part, the Technical Assistant on Revenue Matters and Special Duties, Prince Olaitan Dada, noted that transparency begins with proper documentation and a clear understanding of those operating under the ministry’s authority.
Having full information on every operator working in the ministry’s name will help us improve monitoring and strengthen our internal processes,he said.
Prince Dada added that keeping updated profiles of all consultants and operators, backed by a well-structured verification system, would enhance monthly tracking and accountability across departments.
While commending participants for their contributions, Hon. Shuaibu described the meeting as a crucial step toward repositioning the ministry’s revenue system and building stronger internal mechanisms.
This meeting has given us a clear direction on how to improve our operations. It is now time for teamwork, transparency, and strict adherence to institutional guidelines, he added.
According to the Commissioner, the newly inaugurated committee will review field reports, assess existing procedures, and recommend practical measures to strengthen coordination and financial integrity across departments.
He expressed optimism that the reforms will make the ministry a model of transparency, discipline, and efficiency within the state’s administrative structure.
Directors from key departments, including Administration, Accounting, Commerce, and Planning, Research and Statistics also called for a unified reporting format to ensure data consistency and credibility. They urged zonal officers to adopt approved templates and submit timely reports reflecting real-time field operations.
Below are the newly constituted members of the Special Committee on Revenue Matters: Director of Administration, Mr. Ejeh Michael, Chairman, Technical Assistant on Revenue Matters and Special Duties, Prince Olaitan Dada, Secretary.
Director of Accounting, Mr. Mikailu Kadri, member,Director of Commerce,Mr. Akowe Yakubu, member,Director of PRS, Mr. Adejo Ibrahim, member ,Lokoja Zonal Officer,Mr. Moses Otiga, member and Chief Commercial Officer, Alhaji Usman Ayinoko, member.
