The Accountant General of Taraba State, Mr. Gaius Danjuma, has called for realistic and evidence-based revenue targets backed by reliable financial data to strengthen budget planning and ensure responsible public expenditure.

Danjuma made the call on Friday in Jalingo during a symposium on tax reforms, fiscal policy and revenue optimisation, stressing that accurate revenue forecasting was essential for preparing credible budgets and meeting the state’s financial obligations.

He said the government must strengthen internal controls, ensure timely remittance of revenue, conduct regular financial reconciliations and identify weaknesses that could result in revenue leakages.

The Accountant General advocated the adoption of electronic payment platforms, automated reconciliation systems, integrated databases and modern financial management tools to promote transparency, reduce manual errors and minimise opportunities for the diversion of public funds.

He also called for regular reviews of revenue performance against approved targets, noting that significant deviations should be investigated and appropriate corrective measures implemented promptly.

According to him, financial officers must complement their technical competence with honesty, discipline and accountability to ensure effective management of public resources.

Danjuma further emphasised the importance of continuous professional development, saying financial personnel must be equipped with the knowledge and skills required to respond to changing fiscal policies and emerging technological demands.

He noted that Taraba state had opportunities to expand its revenue base through improved administration of existing revenue sources and the development of legitimate economic activities in agriculture, commerce, tourism, property administration and other productive sectors.

He said achieving the objective would require reliable revenue data, stronger coordination among revenue-generating ministries, departments and agencies, as well as proper assessment, documentation, remittance and accounting of all government collections.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Taraba State Internal Revenue Service (TIRS), Brigadier General Jeremiah Aliyu Faransa (rtd.), announced an increase in the state’s revenue and called for collective efforts to eliminate revenue leakages.

Faransa commended governor Agbu Kefas for supporting efforts to ensure that revenues accruing to the state government were not diverted.

He urged stakeholders to embrace ongoing tax reforms, emphasising the need for improved compliance and effective revenue collection to boost government earnings.

Also speaking, the Head of the Project Financial Management Unit, Dr. Manasseh Haruna, commended Governor Kefas for providing the platform for the symposium and supporting efforts to block revenue leakages.

In his welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Saigudu I. Danjuma, said governments across the world were grappling with competing expenditure demands, economic pressures and the need to deliver public services more efficiently.

He said tax reforms must therefore be bold, data-driven and aligned with the realities of a modern economy.

According to him, fiscal policies must balance prudence with ambition to ensure that government decisions promote sustainable growth, social equity and institutional resilience.

Similarly, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Rinyiputen Pyikison, commended the leadership of the ministry under the Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning.

Pyikison expressed optimism that the symposium would help address challenges confronting revenue collection in the state.

The symposium, themed “The Role of Financial Management Specialists and Project Accountants Towards Achieving Revenue Targets,” brought together financial managers and other stakeholders to discuss strategies for improving revenue generation, strengthening financial accountability and enhancing public financial management in Taraba State.