The Plateau State Internal Revenue Service (PSIRS) has concluded a two-day stakeholders’ engagement designed to deepen public understanding of the 2025 Nigeria Tax Reform Act and its implications for tax administration in the state. The event was held at the Usiju World Event Centre in Jos.
The forum brought together professional stakeholders from ministries, departments, agencies, business owners, informal sector representatives, and civil society groups. Its objective was to clarify the provisions of the new tax law ahead of its commencement on January 1.
In his welcome address, the Secretary to the Government of the State, Arc. Samuel Nanchang Jatau—represented by the Executive Chairman of PSIRS, Dr. Jim Pam Wayas—said the tax reform affects every citizen and is aimed at creating a unified fiscal framework across federal, state, and local governments. He stressed that the Act is not punitive but designed to grant more autonomy to revenue services and improve tax administration nationwide.
Dr. Wayas provided an overview of the reform, explaining that it consolidates existing tax laws into a single structure. According to him, personal income tax, value-added tax (VAT), capital gains tax, and minimum tax regulations have all been updated. He noted that small businesses now benefit from a higher zero-tax threshold, while capital gains tax applies at effective rates between 10 and 25 percent. He added that financial institutions are now required to report collective income directly to revenue agencies to simplify compliance.
Speaking on the legal implications, Plateau State Commissioner of Justice, Hon. Philemon Daffi, urged stakeholders to comply with the new guidelines. He assured that collected taxes would be judiciously utilized and encouraged informal sector actors to drive compliance, warning that enforcement mechanisms would be strengthened where necessary.
Director of Planning, Research and Statistics at PSIRS, Mr. Jonathan Mangai, emphasized the importance of a transparent and accountable tax system. He called for integrity, efficient digital processes, and clearer connections between taxes paid and the services citizens receive.
The engagement featured an extensive panel session with contributions from Dr. Jim Pam Wayas, Mrs. Rahila Olu-Silas Esq., Associate Prof. Dagwom Dang, Mr. Monday Bereh, and Dr. Lukman Jimoh Rahim. Moderated by Mr. Wulashik Dafaan and MC Tsok, the discussion focused on the implementation of the new tax law, challenges, and strategies for enhancing compliance.
Panelists highlighted the need to broaden tax coverage, ensure fair contributions from both financial and non-financial sectors, and strengthen transparency to build public trust. Dr. Rahim also addressed the informal sector, noting that all income—including cryptocurrency gains—is taxable. He explained that the first ₦800,000 earned by registered businesses is tax-free, after which earnings are taxed progressively.
He encouraged participants to share the insights gained with their communities and pointed to the availability of a simplified tax guide and an online support portal to aid compliance.
The engagement continued with contributions from other government officials, including Hon. Cornelius Doeyok, Commissioner for Tourism, Culture and Hospitality, who urged sustained collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the 2025 Nigeria Tax Reform Act.
