By Zakari Haruna Isah
The Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS) has called on non-governmental organisations (NGOs) operating in the state to comply with relevant tax laws and fulfil their annual filing obligations, regardless of whether they operate on a profit-making basis.
The Secretary and Executive Director (Legal Services), Kaduna State Internal Revenue Services (KADIRS), Barrister Aisha Ahmad Mohammad, made the call during an interview on issues surrounding taxation and the operations of NGOs, on the sideline of NGOS Sustainability & Impact Investment Summit 2026 (NSIS 2.0) under the Theme "Reimagining Impact":
Ahmad explained that although NGOs are generally non-profit organisations, their status does not completely exempt them from taxation, stressing that there are exceptions under the law.
“Behind every general rule there is an exception,” she said, noting that certain tax obligations are attached to NGOs.
She further explained that NGOs are required to file their annual returns, and failure to meet the obligation attracts penalties. According to her, KADIRS takes action against organisations that fail to file their returns by the end of the first quarter of the year.
Ahmad therefore urged NGOs and other citizens to remain tax compliant by adhering to the provisions of the law.
“We are calling for everyone, as normal as usual, each and every citizen to be tax compliant. Just comply with the provisions of the law, and everything will go on smoothly,” she said.
On Nigeria's new tax laws, Ahmad said the reforms were designed to provide relief for low-income earners and small businesses.
She cited provisions under which individuals earning below N800,000 annually would not be subject to Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE), while businesses with capital below N50 million would also receive tax relief.
Ahmad described the reforms as favourable to low-income earners and small businesses, arguing that the measures could help reduce the tax burden on vulnerable groups.
She also commended the Kaduna State Government for projects and programmes targeted at improving the livelihoods of less privileged residents.
According to her, the state has introduced three different free space-acquisition initiatives across the state, accompanied by starter kits and training aimed at helping beneficiaries establish sustainable livelihoods.
Turning to the state's revenue performance, Ahmad expressed confidence that Kaduna State would continue to meet its revenue targets.
She said KADIRS had consistently surpassed its targets from 2020 through 2022 and was already above 78 percent of its current target at the time of the interview.
“We have never failed in our target,” Ahmad said, adding that the service had already achieved more than 78 percent of its target.
She maintained that continued compliance by individuals, businesses and organisations would help strengthen the state's revenue base and support the implementation of government programmes and projects.