From Jude Dangwam, Jos

The Chairman of the Plateau State Internal Revenue Service, Dr. Jim Wayas Pam has disclosed that the state revenue profile has recorded significant growth by surpassing N30 billion naira being the highest revenue generation for the first time in its history of Plateau State.

Pam made the disclosure during a Media address at the Agency’s Headquarters during the weekend in Jos the state capital while speaking on the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR) and tax reforms in the state.

“When this administration started in 2023, I joined halfway through the year, and a lot has happened since then. In 2022, the total revenue generated was N15.

He maintained that the state government has set a total revenue target of N52 billion for 2025. “We have started 2025 on a strong note, the state government has set a total revenue target of N52 billion for the year.

“We began 2025 on solid footing, in January; we collected about N3.3 billion, one of the highest amounts ever collected in a single month. Compared to last year, when we generated about N1.6 billion in January, this represents a significant improvement in revenue generation.” The Chairman explained

He noted that federal allocations to the state have declined due to debts incurred in previous years, many of which were taken when the exchange rate was much lower, stressing the need to look inward for revenue, by identifying new sources and blocking loopholes. 

“We are now exploring our Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) potential, and I must commend Governor Caleb Mutfwang for taking bold steps to do things differently. The entire revenue system is undergoing transformation, and we are identifying untapped revenue sources.

“According to financial intelligence reports, the capital inflow into Plateau State from the mineral sector is estimated to be between $5 million and $15 million monthly. Yet, none of this benefits the state, not even in terms of the 13% derivation on royalties. To the best of my knowledge, the only amount the state receives in royalties is around N300 million, despite billions flowing out of the state from mineral exports.” He lamented

The Revenue Boss explained that the ongoing suspension of mining activities in the state was aimed at addressing both security concerns and revenue losses. 

“Some people have asked whether the suspension of mining activities applies only to illegal operations or all mining. My answer is that it includes both conventional and traditional mining. The primary reason for this suspension is insecurity, but there are also other factors, particularly regarding revenue. The state has never truly tapped into the mining sector as a revenue source.” Pam expressed worried

The Chairman also raised concerns about the presence of undocumented foreign nationals operating in the mining sector in the state which posed a serious security threat to the state.

“I wrote to the Nigerian Immigration Service requesting an expert quota assessment, and what we discovered was alarming. Many of these foreign nationals are not properly registered, and some have even opened multiple bank accounts under questionable circumstances. It appears to be a cartel, but we are determined to regulate the sector and ensure the state benefits.” He stated

Pam said beyond mining, the state government is also focusing on property tax and land use charges, as well as other areas that have largely remained untapped. 

“We have identified individuals who own over 50 properties yet have never paid tax. The highest amount some of them have ever paid to the Internal Revenue Service is just N1.5 million. And I had to ask; if you have only paid N1.5 million in taxes, how did you generate the revenue to acquire over 50 houses? These are the kinds of questions we need to ask ourselves,” he explained.