Nasarawa State Internal Revenue Service recovers N40bn

The Nasarawa State Internal Revenue Services (NSIRS) says it recently recovered the sum of N40 billion following an introduction of the new Point of Sales machines developed by its board to ease revenue collection in the State.

The Chairman, Nasarawa State Internal Revenue Services (NSIRS), Ahmed Muhammad, disclosed this while speaking in Lafia, the State capital.

Muhammed explained that since he was appointed into office in March 2018, he had undertaken deliberate steps to reposition the board and tackle the challenges associated with the operational vehicles, inadequate staff, and an unconducive work environment.

“So far, the board has recovered an unprecedented N40bn, with another 8 to 10bn in the process of being recovered. We have increased the monthly IGR from N500 million when I was appointed to N1.4bn as of September this year.

“We increased the revenue by introducing new taxes such as pools betting and casino, gaming development levy, individual capital gain tax, property tax, withholding tax on rents.”

The revenue board Chairman commended Governor Abdullahi Sule for introducing the broad reforms that are assisting the board to generate more IGR, particularly the passage into law of two major enablers, the Nasarawa State Central Billing System, as well as the State harmonization and administration law.

He appealed to the government to promptly address the problem of office accommodation by rehabilitating the Revenue House while assuring the governor of the board’s determination to take the IGR of the State from the targeted N3bn to N5bn.

Meanwhile, the Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, tasked the management and staff of the Revenue board to be sincere while discharging their duties.

He pointed out that with the State’s advantage of being close to the Federal Capital Territory as well as her population, it has the potential to generate N5bn monthly as IGR.

“Once we agree to do the right thing, we will get there. We require proper training and sincerity. But I want to thank you, the Chairman and other staff of the board for all the efforts and initiatives you are making, which is aimed at making Nasarawa State independent in terms of IGR”, he said.

The Governor disclosed plans to mandate all Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the State to henceforth purchase stamps from the board while assuring the Chairman of adequate support towards the success of its initiatives.