By: Kamal Hammajo Adam
Freelance Journalist | +2347069274878
In the heart of Gombe State’s drive for economic growth and fiscal responsibility stands one woman whose name has become synonymous with innovation, integrity, and impact. Hajiya Aisha Adamu, the Executive Chairman of the Gombe State Internal Revenue Service (GIRS). Her journey from a bright young girl in Gombe to a nationally recognized revenue reformer is one that inspires admiration and commands respect.
EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION
Born and raised in Gombe Local Government Area, Aisha Adamu’s formative years laid the foundation for the excellence she embodies today. She began her academic journey at FCE (Teachers) Staff School, Gombe, where she earned her Leaving School Certificate in 1993. She proceeded to Federal Government College, Bauchi, graduating in 1999 with outstanding performance.
Her thirst for knowledge took her to the University of Abuja, where she earned a B.Sc. (Honours) in Economics with Upper Second Class in 2004. Determined to gain international expertise, she went on to the University of Dundee, Scotland, obtaining an MSc in Energy Studies (Energy Economics) in 2007. Aisha further sharpened her managerial skills with a certificate in Finance and Accounting for the Non-Financial Executive from Columbia Business School, New York in 2015.
She holds multiple professional accreditations, including:
• Certified National Accountant (CNA) since 2019
• Member, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) since 2020
• She earned her Ph.D. in Economics from Bayero University, Kano, a testament to her steadfast commitment to lifelong learning.
CAREER JOURNEY
Aisha’s professional path reflects a blend of local and international exposure. In 2008, she interned with the United Nations Secretariat’s Energy and Transport Branch, gaining valuable insights into global policy frameworks. She later served as Project Economist at Oriental Energy Resources Limited before joining the Bank of Industry (BOI) in 2010.
At BOI, she rose through the ranks from Credit Officer to Project Manager, and eventually State Manager for Gombe, Adamawa, and Taraba States. Her tenure earned her the “Most Customer-Centric Staff” award in the North East in 2019. She later became Resident Internal Control & Compliance Officer for the North-West region, ensuring strict adherence to financial standards.
In December 2023, she transitioned to public service, serving as Senior Special Adviser/Project Coordinator for the World Bank-funded Nigeria for Women Project and the Gombe State Social Investment Project, before her landmark appointment as GIRS Executive Chairman.
TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP AT GIRS
When Hajiya Aisha Adamu assumed office at GIRS, she brought with her a vision to move the State’s Revenue System from manual processes to World-class Digital Tax Administration. The results speak volumes.
Revenue Growth:
In 2023, Gombe generated ₦15 billion in Internally Generated Revenue. Under her leadership, the State recorded a 123% revenue surge in Q2 2024, reaching ₦20.7 billion by year-end, the highest in Gombe’s history.
Digital Innovation:
She launched a fully digitized tax payment platform (www.irs.gm.gov.ng), making it easier for citizens and businesses to pay taxes securely and transparently. This has drastically reduced leakages and increased compliance.
Operational Excellence:
GIRS headquarters now operates with solar power, ensuring uninterrupted services. Staff capacity has been boosted through training in cybersecurity, data analytics, and cloud computing.
National Recognition:
In 2024, Gombe was ranked 4th in Nigeria for digital maturity in Tax Administration, scoring over 80% in areas like identity integration, automated compliance, and data security.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND LAW ENFORCEMENT
Hajiya Aisha believes revenue collection is not just about figures but about trust. She has strengthened partnerships with Local Governments, Private Schools, Clinics, Transport Unions, Farmers, and Agro-Businesses to improve compliance. Her collaboration with the Judiciary has also tightened enforcement of Tax Laws.
HONOURS AND TRADITIONAL TITLES
Her achievements have not gone unnoticed. She has been honoured with several traditional titles, including:
• Sarauniyar Taskar Akko
• Dawisun Yamaltu
• Jarumar Funakaye
She is also celebrated as Grand Commander of Northern Nigerian Students for her anti-corruption leadership and youth empowerment initiatives.
WHY SHE DESERVES OUR APPLAUSE
In a country where revenue systems often struggle with inefficiency, Hajiya Aisha Adamu has shown that with vision, discipline, and innovation, change is possible. Her reforms have not only increased the State’s earnings but also built public confidence in governance.
She is more than a Tax Administrator, she is a builder of systems, a mentor to young professionals, and a trailblazer for women in leadership. Gombe State is not just richer in revenue under her watch; it is richer in hope.
Indeed, Hajiya Aisha Adamu has proven that leadership is not about holding an
office, it is about delivering results that speak for themselves.
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