The Plateau State Internal Revenue Service (PSIRS) concluded a two-day stakeholders’ engagement to deepen understanding of the 2025 Nigeria Tax Reform Act. The event took place at the Usiju World Event Centre in Jos.
The engagement brought together professional stakeholders from various ministries, departments, agencies, business owners, informal sector representatives, and civil society organizations. Its goal was to provide clarity on the new tax reforms and their implications for effective tax 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, stated that the 2025 Tax Reform Act affects every citizen and will take effect from January 1.
He explained that the bill is not punitive but a new fiscal framework designed to unify tax administration across all government levels and grant more autonomy to revenue services. He encouraged stakeholders to seek clarification and clear misconceptions ahead of full implementation.
The Executive Chairman of PSIRS, Dr. Jim Pam Wayas, provided an overview of the 2025 Nigeria Tax Reform Act, noting that it consolidates existing tax laws into a single framework. He highlighted key changes for individuals and businesses.
Dr. Wayas explained that personal income tax, VAT, capital gains tax, and minimum tax regulations have been updated. Small businesses now enjoy a higher zero-rate threshold, while capital gains tax applies at effective rates ranging from 10% to 25%.
He also emphasized that financial institutions are required to report collective income directly to revenue services, simplifying compliance and promoting transparency across sectors.
Speaking on the implications, The Plateau State Commissioner of Justice, Hon. Philemon Daffi Esq. called on stakeholders to comply with the new tax guidelines. He assured that collected taxes would be used judiciously and encouraged informal sector actors to help promote compliance while warning of firm enforcement where necessary.
During the event, Mr. Jonathan Mangai, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics at PSIRS, stressed the need for a fair, transparent, and accountable tax system. He called for integrity, efficient digital processes, and clear links between taxes paid and public services.
The engagement featured a robust panel session with Dr. Jim Pam Wayas, Mrs. Rahila Olu-Silas Esq, Assoc. Prof. Dagwom Dang, Mr. Monday Bereh and Dr. Lukman Jimoh Rahim, moderated by Mr. Wulashik Dafaan and MC Tsok. They discussed the New Nigeria Tax Law and its implementation challenges.
Panelists emphasized expanding tax coverage, linking collection to public service, and ensuring both financial and non-financial sectors contribute fairly. They also discussed compliance strategies and transparency measures to foster taxpayer trust.
Dr. Lukman Jimoh Rahim addressed the informal sector, explaining that all income, including gains from cryptocurrency, is taxable. He detailed the tax bands, noting that the first ₦800,000 for registered businesses is tax-free, with higher profits taxed progressively.
He urged participants to use the knowledge gained to educate others and highlighted the availability of a pocket-friendly guide and an online portal for ongoing support in tax compliance.
Hon. Cornelius Doeyok, Commissioner for Tourism, Culture, and Hospitality, emphasized continuous citizen engagement to ensure understanding and acceptance of the new tax law. He also highlighted plans to leverage tourism, hospitality, and e-commerce to generate revenue for the state.
In her closing remarks, Mrs. Deborah Adamu Kesuwo, Chairperson of the stakeholders’ engagement team, thanked participants for their contributions, praised the resource persons for their insights, and commended Dr. Wayas and his team for promoting transparency and efficiency in Plateau State’s tax system.
Also contributing to the vote of thanks, Mrs. Emily Ufulul Daboer expressed gratitude to all stakeholders, taxpayers, professional partners, and the media, emphasizing their commitment to understanding the Nigerian tax system and supporting PSIRS initiatives.
