Nasarawa Revenue Board Unveils Jersey, Kicks Off 2025 End-of-Year Activities

From Abel  Zwanke, Lafia

The Executive Chairman of the Nasarawa State Internal Revenue Service (NSIRS), Alhaji Ahmed Yakubu on Thursday unveiled the jerseys for a novelty football match between the Board and the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Nasarawa State chapter, as part of activities marking its 2025 end-of-year celebration.

The match is scheduled to hold on Monday at the Lafia City Stadium.

Speaking during the unveiling ceremony, the chairman said the choice of playing against SWAN was deliberate, aimed at strengthening collaboration with the media and deepening public awareness on tax responsibilities.

“We have had a very good relationship with SWAN, and as a tax authority, you cannot reach your taxpayers without the support of the media. That is why we decided to have this collaboration with SWAN to further strengthen our relationship and improve taxpayer engagement,” he stated.

He explained that the Board decided three years ago to reward outstanding staff annually, but expanded the initiative this year into a full week of activities.

“You know they say all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. So, we introduced rewarding staff who have done well within the fiscal year, and this year we expanded it into a whole week of events,” he said.

As part of the activities, the Board sponsored an inter-school debate across the three senatorial zones and donated books to both public and private schools as part of its corporate social responsibility.

“We sponsored a debate for schools across the state, and at the end we produced winners. We also donated books to schools in all three zones of Nasarawa State,” he added.

The chairman also highlighted a cultural day held earlier, where staff showcased the rich diversity of the state.

“Nasarawa is a mini-Nigeria with different tribes and dialects. Today, our staff displayed the dances, food, and culture of the various groups that make up the state,” he said.

He further disclosed that the week-long activities will climax with an awards ceremony recognising outstanding staff, taxpayers, former chairmen—both living and deceased—and other deserving Nigerians who have contributed to the state’s development.

On the implementation of the new national tax law, the chairman clarified that the Board is not initiating new taxes but adjusting to legal reforms that take effect from January 1, 2026.

“It’s not that we are starting new taxes. The payment of taxes has long been ongoing. What is happening is that the new tax law comes into effect on January 1, 2026, and some outdated provisions have been reviewed,” he explained.

He said the Board has already commenced sensitisation through flyers, pamphlets, and roadshows.

“Yesterday, during our roadshow, we distributed materials to taxpayers to help them understand the changes in the new law. The President has signed it, and it takes effect from January 1, 2026,” he added.

The chairman reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to deepening public enlightenment and strengthening partnerships with the media to improve tax compliance across the state.