By Abel Zwanke, Lafia
The Nasarawa State Internal Revenue Service (NSIRS) on Thursday unveiled official jerseys for a novelty football match between the agency and the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Nasarawa State chapter, marking the start of its 2025 end-of-year activities in Lafia. The novelty match will take place on Monday at the Lafia City Stadium, according to the revenue board.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, the Executive Chairman of NSIRS, Alhaji Ahmed Yakubu, said the collaboration with SWAN was intentional and designed to strengthen the board’s engagement with the media while enhancing 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 media support. This collaboration allows us to deepen that relationship and improve taxpayer engagement,” he said.
Yakubu explained that three years ago, NSIRS began recognising outstanding staff during its annual celebrations. However, the initiative has now expanded into a week-long programme to promote teamwork, morale, and corporate social responsibility.
“As the saying goes, ‘all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.’ We introduced the reward system for staff who performed well during the fiscal year, and this year we expanded it into an entire week of activities,” he added.
As part of the activities, NSIRS sponsored an inter-school debate across the three senatorial zones of the state and donated books to both public and private schools. Yakubu said the initiative reflects the agency’s commitment to promoting education and contributing to community development.
“We sponsored a statewide school debate and produced winners. We also donated books to schools in all three senatorial zones,” he noted.
He further highlighted a cultural event held earlier in the week where staff showcased the ethnic and cultural diversity of Nasarawa State.
“Nasarawa is a mini-Nigeria with different tribes and dialects. Today, our staff displayed various cultural dances, foods, and traditions that represent our state,” Yakubu explained.
The week-long programme will climax with a grand awards ceremony honouring outstanding staff, taxpayers, former NSIRS chairmen (both living and deceased), and other notable citizens who have contributed to the development of Nasarawa State.
Addressing concerns about the implementation of the new national tax law, the chairman clarified that the board is not introducing new taxes but aligning with legal reforms that become effective on January 1, 2026.
“It’s not that we are starting new taxes. Tax payment has always existed. What is happening is that the new national tax law comes into effect on January 1, 2026, and some provisions have been reviewed to meet current realities,” he explained.
Yakubu added that the board has already begun sensitisation efforts through roadshows, flyers, and pamphlets to educate taxpayers on the changes.
“During yesterday’s roadshow, we distributed materials to taxpayers to help them understand the reforms. The President has signed the new law, and it takes effect from January 1, 2026,” he said.
He reaffirmed NSIRS’s commitment to public enlightenment, media collaboration, and improving tax compliance across the state.
