The Nasarawa State generated N37 billion as Internal Generated Revenue (IGR), from January to November 2025, the Executive Chairman, Internal Revenue Service, Mr Ahmed Yakubu-Muhammad, has said.
Mr. Yakubu-Muhammad, while unveiling the jerseys for a novelty football match between the Board and the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Nasarawa State chapter, explained that the choice of playing against SWAN was deliberate, aimed at strengthening collaboration with the media and deepening public awareness on tax responsibilities.
The IRS chairman, while recalling that when they came into office some years ago, the highest that was generated was N6 billion, noting that from January to November they were able to generate N37 billion, reiterating the board unwavering commitment and dedication to increase the revenue of the state.
“I want to do more. I want to make sure that I increase the revenue of the service,. So far we’ve been able to generate about N37 billion and before the end of the year I’m sure we’ll surpass N37 billion,” he stated.
Speaking on the implementation of the new national tax law, he clarified that the Board is not initiating new taxes, but adjusting to legal reforms that take effect from January 1, 2026.
His words, “It’s not that we are starting new taxes. The payment of taxes has been going on for a very long time now. What is happening is that the new tax law comes into effect on January 1, 2026, and some outdated provisions have been reviewed.”
He, however, explained that the Board has already commenced sensitization through flyers, pamphlets and roadshows.
“Yesterday, during our roadshow, we distributed materials to taxpayers to help them understand the changes in the new law. The President Ahmed Bola-Tinubu had already signed it, and it takes effect from January 1, 2026,” he concluded.
The chairman, therefore, reaffirmed unwavering commitment of the Board to deepening public enlightenment and strengthening partnerships with the media to improve tax compliance across the state.
“We have had a very good relationship with SWAN, and as a tax authority, you cannot reach your taxpayers without the support of the media. That is why we decided to have this collaboration with SWAN to further strengthen our relationship and improve taxpayer engagement,” he stated.
He explained further that the Board decided three years ago to reward outstanding staff annually, but expanded the initiative this year into a full week of activities.
“You know they say all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. So, we introduced rewarding staff who have done well within the fiscal year, and this year we expanded it into a whole week of events,” he concluded.
As part of the activities, the Board sponsored an inter-school debate across the three senatorial zones and donated books to both public and private schools as part of its corporate social responsibility.
“We sponsored a debate for schools across the state, and at the end we produced winners. We also donated books to schools in all three zones of Nasarawa State,” he stated.
“Nasarawa is a mini-Nigeria with different tribes and dialects. Today, our staff displayed the dances, food, and culture of the various groups that make up the state,” the chairman maintained.
He further disclosed that the week-long activities would climax with an awards ceremony recognising outstanding staff, taxpayers, former chairmen—both living and deceased—and other deserving Nigerians who have contributed to the state’s development.
From Umar Muhammed, Lafia
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