In a major push for financial independence, Plateau State Internal Revenue Service has launched sweeping reforms to overhaul its property and land tax system following a historic two-day Tax Summit held from August 21–22, 2025.
Themed “Unlocking Domestic Resources: Strengthening Property and Land-Related Taxes,” the summit brought together government leaders, legal experts, technocrats, and community representatives to tackle the state’s low revenue collection.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang, represented by Secretary to the State Government Arch. Samuel Jatau, stressed that land is a key asset for development. “We must stop relying on federal handouts and start building a fair, transparent tax system that funds better roads, schools, hospitals, and services,” he said.
The Revenue Crisis
Despite over 1 million buildings in the state (per NASA data), only 14,000 are currently taxed — just 1.4%. Nationally, property taxes contribute less than 5% of government revenue, far below global standards.
Dr. Jim Pam Wayas, Head of the Plateau State Internal Revenue Service (PSIRS), called the gap a “revenue emergency.”
“Revenue is the blood of government. Right now, Plateau is barely surviving. We can do much better,” he said.
A major hurdle? The clash between formal land laws and traditional ownership systems.
Hon. Philemon Audu Daffi, Attorney General, noted: “We have the laws — what’s missing is unity between statutory and customary systems.”
Tech to the Rescue
The Plateau Geographic Information Service (PLAGIS) unveiled digital mapping tools that can identify, value, and bill properties automatically. Soon, owners could get tax notices via SMS and pay online.
“Data is the new oil,” said Dr. Wayas. “Now we’re learning how to refine it.”
An Implementation Committee has been formed, led by the Attorney General. A 7-point plan was adopted:
1. Unify land tenure systems
2. Train local government staff
3. Use data for revenue forecasting
4. Link PSIRS with PLAGIS and other agencies
5. Educate the public on tax benefits
6. Fix property valuation methods
7. Update tax laws
“We’re making tax payment simple and fair,” said Lands Commissioner Hon. Peter Nyam Gei. “One notice, one payment — no harassment.”
MDAs Under the Microscope
Day two focused on agency revenue performance. While Plateau hit 102% of its 2023 budget and boosted IGR to 62% in 2024, early 2025 data shows trouble:
– Only 13.4% of MDAs met half their targets
– 63.4% performed below 25%
– 17.1% collected nothing
Top performers:
– Ministry of Information (1,243%)
– Ministry of Justice (729%)
– Jos Main Market Authority (429%)
Lagging sectors: Agriculture, Health, ICT, and Science & Technology.
The Way Forward
Recommendations include:
– Set realistic revenue targets
– Automate collections
– Diversify income (e.g., tourism, land taxes)
– Monitor performance quarterly
– Reward top-performing agencies
With federal funding shrinking, Plateau is betting on itself. By merging technology, legal reform, and accountability, the state aims to build a system where citizens pay willingly — because they see results.
“This isn’t just talk,” said one official. “The Plateau Project is about action.”
The message is clear: Fair taxes. Better services. Stronger state.
