Governor Bago takes action as Niger intensifies fight against revenue fraud

Niger State Internal Revenue Service (NGSIRS) has intensified its crackdown, resulting in the arrest of several individuals involved in the unlawful production and sale of counterfeit motor vehicle stickers and emblems.

The latest arrests are the Paiko Local Government Area revenue officer and its director, who were apprehended for their roles in this illegal operation.

This action comes just a week after the Bosso Local Government Area revenue officer was arrested on similar charges.

These arrests, made in a joint effort with security agencies, are in direct response to violations of Section 32 of the Niger State Tax Administration and Consolidation Law.

In a clear and stern warning, the Niger State Government has reiterated the administration’s zero-tolerance policy towards corruption.

The government, under the leadership of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, has stated that anyone involved in illegal revenue collection or the creation and distribution of fraudulent government documents will face severe legal consequences.

These recent arrests, involving both private individuals and government officials, are part of a broader effort to tackle corruption.

According to a statement made available to The Guardian, all the accused are slated for prosecution, as directed by the governor.

The chairman of NGSIRS, Mohammed Etsu Madami, according to the statement, also emphasised the Board’s commitment to improving state revenue generation, stressing that effort to seal revenue leakages and prosecute those compromising the state’s internally generated Revenue is a non-stop activity.