The Nasarawa State Government recorded N37 billion in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) between January and November 2025, the Executive Chairman of the State Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Mr Ahmed Yakubu-Muhammad, has disclosed.
Yakubu-Muhammad made this known in Lafia while unveiling jerseys for a novelty football match between the Board and the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Nasarawa State chapter.
He said the friendly match was intentionally designed to strengthen collaboration with the media and enhance public understanding of tax obligations.
The IRS chairman recalled that when the current management assumed office, the state’s annual IGR stood at about N6 billion.
He described the current performance as a reflection of sustained reforms, dedication and improved efficiency within the revenue service.
“When we came on board some years ago, the highest revenue we could generate was about N6 billion.
”From January to November this year, we have generated N37 billion.
” I am confident that before the end of the year, we will exceed that figure,” he said.
He reaffirmed his commitment to further increasing the state’s revenue base, noting that improved revenue generation remained critical to financing development projects and improving service delivery across the state.
Speaking on the implementation of the new national tax law, Yakubu-Muhammad clarified that the Board was not introducing new taxes, but rather aligning its operations with reforms contained in the recently reviewed tax legislation, which takes effect on January 1, 2026.
“It is not that we are starting new taxes. Tax payment has always been in existence.
”What is happening now is that some obsolete provisions have been reviewed under the new tax law, which comes into force on January 1, 2026,” he explained.
He said the Board had already begun widespread sensitisation efforts to prepare taxpayers for the changes, including the distribution of flyers and pamphlets, as well as roadshows across the state.
“Just yesterday, during our roadshow, we distributed educational materials to taxpayers to help them understand the provisions of the new law.
”The law has already been signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and will take effect from January 1, 2026,” he added.
The IRS chairman emphasised the importance of public enlightenment and media partnership in driving tax compliance, stressing that effective communication remains central to the Board’s success.
“We have enjoyed a very strong relationship with SWAN. As a tax authority, it is impossible to reach taxpayers without the support of the media.
”That is why we deliberately chose to collaborate with SWAN, to further strengthen our relationship and deepen taxpayer engagement,” he said.
Yakubu-Muhammad also spoke on staff motivation, explaining that the Board introduced an annual reward system three years ago to recognise outstanding performance, which has now been expanded into a week-long programme of activities.
“They say all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
”We decided to reward staff who performed exceptionally well during the fiscal year, and this year we expanded the initiative into a full week of activities,” he said.
As part of the week-long programme, the Board organised an inter-school debate across the state’s three senatorial zones and donated books to both public and private schools as part of its corporate social responsibility.
“We sponsored debates for schools across Nasarawa State, produced winners at the end of the competition, and donated books to schools in all three senatorial zones,” he said.
He added that the activities also showcased the cultural diversity of the state, describing Nasarawa as a “mini-Nigeria” made up of different ethnic groups and traditions.
“Our staff displayed the dances, food and cultural heritage of the various ethnic groups that make up Nasarawa State,” he noted.
Yakubu-Muhammad disclosed that the week-long activities would culminate in an awards ceremony to honour outstanding staff members, exemplary taxpayers, former chairmen of the Board—both living and deceased—as well as other individuals who have contributed to the development of the state.
