Governor Zulum Reintroduces Poll Tax in Borno to Boost Revenue and Security

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno has reintroduced the poll tax (haraji) in the state.

The move comes after the Borno State Internal Revenue Board reported that the state generated N2.5 billion in internally generated revenue between January and February 2024.

Borno State has historically relied on revenue sources such as ground rents, PAYE, business and transportation.

However, the current figure of N2.5 billion is not sufficient to address the state’s numerous challenges, prompting the need for a more effective solution.

The reintroduction of the poll tax is expected to significantly increase the state’s revenue base.

The poll tax, which was once a common practice in the Borno Native Authority and traditional institutions across the country before the British colonization, was encouraged by the British for both revenue generation and profiling of individuals considered security risks.

The tax was later abolished by politicians in 1980 for political reasons.

The reintroduction of the poll tax is seen as a necessity for two primary reasons: increasing the state’s revenue and addressing its serious security challenges.

The state government and the emirate councils will agree on a sharing formula for the tax, taking into account the current economic challenges and the ability of individuals to pay the tax.

On the security front, Borno State has been grappling with insurgency since 2009, and recent efforts to relocate internally displaced persons and implement a local government system have been hindered by the recent kidnapping of 300 individuals in the state.

The poll tax is expected to provide valuable intelligence about the community, allowing the state government to plan its security measures more effectively.

By collecting data on each household, the government will have a more accurate understanding of the needs and challenges faced by its citizens.

Governor Zulum’s decision to reintroduce the poll tax in Borno State is a strategic move aimed at boosting the state’s revenue and enhancing its security measures in the face of ongoing challenges.