In a strategic move to boost revenue generation and align with the new national fiscal framework, the Benue State Internal Revenue Service (BIRS), in collaboration with T. A. Williams Firms, hosted a two-day training program for its staff and key stakeholders. The workshop, titled “NIGERIA TAX REFORM ACTS 2025; THE WAY FORWARD FOR BIRS,” is seen as a crucial step in the state’s economic transformation.
The event was officially opened by the Executive Governor, His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Barr. Sam Ode mni.
In his address, the Governor underscored the training’s importance as a “timely intervention” to domesticate the new tax laws and secure the resources necessary for development. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to good governance, improved service delivery, and his vision of “PUTTING A HUMAN FACE TO TAXATION,” which aims to make the process more transparent and people-friendly.
Mr. Joseph Kwaghgba MBA, FCNA, ACCrFA, the Ag.Chairman of BIRS, echoed these sentiments, stating that the training is vital for strengthening the state’s tax system and ensuring its alignment with the new national tax regime. He emphasized that the program would not only enhance the capacity of BIRS staff but also promote accountability and transparency, key factors in transitioning the Benue state and Nigerian economy toward efficiency and realizing Governor Alia’s transformative vision.
The event also received a strong endorsement from the state’s traditional leaders. The Chairman of the Benue State Traditional Council of Chiefs, HRM Prof. James Ortese Ayatse, Tor Tiv V, and the Vice-Chairman, HRM Elaigwu Odogbo John, Ochi’Idoma V, extensively elaborated on the new acts and commended the synergy the reform proposes between various levels of government and taxpayers.
Representing the training’s partners, T. A. Williams Firms, Dr. Haruna Dzugwahi, the firm’s Quality Assurance Director, and the CEO, Dr. Tion A. Williams, both delivered a goodwill message. They praised the governor’s foresight and expressed the firm’s dedication to improving tax administration in the state by providing practical solutions that enhance revenue collection and support the provision of essential infrastructure and amenities.
The chairmen of the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Mr. Emmanuel Nnamani, and the Nasarawa State IRS, Mr. Ahmed Y. Muhammad ACTI, contributed practical insights and shared successful models for boosting internally generated revenue (IGR). They commended the organizers for their efforts to build a robust system of tax administration in the state.
According to a participant, the training featured exceptional presentations from resource persons on various aspects of the tax reform acts, leaving attendees with high expectations and enthusiasm for the practical implementation in the days ahead.
