The Nasarawa State Internal Revenue Service (NSIRS) has announced that the state currently generates over ₦2.5 billion monthly in internally generated revenue (IGR). This disclosure was made by the Executive Chairman of NSIRS, Ahmed Yakubu-Muhammad, during the opening of a three-day training session for revenue officers on Tuesday in Lafia.
Yakubu-Muhammad noted that earlier this year, the state government set an ambitious target for NSIRS to achieve a monthly revenue of ₦3 billion. He expressed confidence that this target is within reach, stating, “We are on course to hit that target and surpass it. So far, we have reached ₦2.5 billion, and I am optimistic that before the end of 2025, we will have hit the ₦5 billion mark in IGR.”
He attributed the steady growth in the state’s IGR to the expertise, capacity, and dedication of NSIRS staff and urged them to continue working diligently to meet and exceed the set targets. Yakubu-Muhammad emphasized that the agency has no excuse to disappoint Governor Abdullahi Sule, who has taken significant steps to ensure the revenue body operates effectively.
The Executive Chairman praised Governor Sule for his non-interference in NSIRS operations, granting the agency autonomy and allowing it to recruit new staff without external influence. He highlighted that the training session aimed to keep revenue officers updated on modern trends and developments in tax administration, with a focus on enhancing their capacity to increase the state’s revenue base.
Yakubu-Muhammad encouraged participants to make the most of the training, noting that it would positively impact their productivity and career progression. He reiterated NSIRS’s commitment to continuous staff development, emphasizing that only well-trained professionals would be entrusted with the job.
“We will not allow mediocrity to thrive. If you do not learn, you will be left behind,” Yakubu-Muhammad stated, promising that the agency would continue to recognize and reward deserving officers as a form of motivation.
Abraham Okpe, a representative from Pri-Global Ventures, the training firm, also spoke at the event. He emphasized that the training was designed to bridge the gap between the tax authority and taxpayers, especially in light of the current economic volatility in Nigeria. Okpe encouraged the participants to be diligent and consistent in their work to become more effective in their roles.
Participants Aisha Hassan and Polycarp Zakaria expressed their gratitude to the NSIRS management for the training opportunity. They praised the leadership of Yakubu-Muhammad, noting that his approach has fostered a culture of continuous learning, enhanced professional capabilities, and inspired them to strive for excellence. They also acknowledged the positive impact of the agency’s guidance, which has helped them become a more cohesive and effective team.
(NAN)
