The Plateau State Internal Revenue Service (PSIRS) has opened a two-day stakeholders’ engagement to deepen understanding of the 2025 Nigeria Tax Reform Act. The event held at the Usiju World Event Centre in Jos.
The engagement brought together professional stakeholders from different ministries, departments and agencies. It aims to provide clarity on the new tax reforms and their implications for effective administration in Plateau State.
In his welcome remark, the Secretary to the Government, Arc. Samuel Nanchang Jatau, represented by PSIRS Chairman Dr. Jim Pam Wayas, said the 2025 Tax Reform Act affects every citizen and will take effect on January 1. He explained that the bill is not a punishment but a new fiscal rule the state is prepared to embrace.
He added that the law unifies tax administration across all levels of government and grants more autonomy to revenue services. Dr. Wayas urged stakeholders to seek clarification and clear misconceptions as the state prepares for full implementation.
The Executive Chairman of PSIRS, Dr. Jim Pam Wayas, gave an overview of the 2025 Nigeria Tax Reform Act, explaining that it consolidates several existing laws into a single framework. He highlighted the unification of tax processes across federal, state, and local governments and the autonomy granted to revenue services.
Dr. Wayas outlined key changes for individuals and businesses, including updates to personal income tax, VAT, capital gains tax, and minimum tax. He noted that small businesses now enjoy a higher zero-rate threshold, while capital gains tax is calculated based on effective tax rates ranging from 10% to 25%.
He also emphasized that financial institutions must report collective income directly to revenue services, simplifying compliance. Dr. Wayas encouraged stakeholders to actively ask questions and discuss critical issues to ensure proper understanding and smooth implementation of the law.
During the stakeholders’ engagement, Mr. Jonathan Mangai, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics at PSIRS, said stakeholders in Plateau State expect a fair, transparent, and accountable tax system. They want tax officials to act with integrity, communicate clearly, use efficient digital processes, and show a clear link between taxes paid and public services.
He emphasized that the way forward includes digitalizing tax administration, simplifying tax laws, and improving taxpayer services. Strengthening governance, ensuring data security, and fostering collaboration among government, tax authorities, taxpayers, professionals, and the media are essential to building trust and encouraging voluntary compliance.
The event also featured a panel session, with Dr. Jim Pam Wayas, Mrs. Rahila Olu-Silas Esq, Assoc. Prof. Dagwom Dang, and Mr. Monday Bereh, moderated by Mr. Wulashik Dafaan and MC Tsok, focused on the New Nigeria Tax Law. They highlighted the law’s goal to improve compliance, expand tax coverage, and ensure both financial and non-financial sectors contribute fairly. A people-centric approach linking tax collection to public service and development was emphasized.
Panelists also discussed practical steps for implementation, including addressing compliance challenges and ensuring transparency. They stressed the importance of preparing taxpayers for deductions under the new law and fostering collaboration among tax authorities, professionals, and stakeholders to build trust and efficiency in Plateau State’s tax system.
In her closing remark, Mrs. Deborah Adamu Kesuwo, Chairperson of the stakeholders’ engagement team, thanked participants for their contributions to the 2025 General Tax Models discussion, praised the resource persons for their insights, and commended the team and Executive Chairman Dr. Jim Wayas for their dedication to building a transparent and efficient tax system in Plateau State.
