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Plateau IGR Hits ₦45.1bn in 2025 as PSIRS Achieves 86% of Revenue Target

The Plateau State Internal Revenue Service (PSIRS) has announced that it generated ₦45.1 billion in internally generated revenue (IGR) in 2025, representing an 86 per cent performance against its ₦52.3 billion revenue target for the year.

The Executive Chairman of PSIRS, Dr. Jim Pam Wayas, disclosed this on Monday, February 9, 2026, while addressing journalists at the agency’s headquarters in Jos during a press briefing on the service’s 2025 performance and revenue outlook.

Dr. Wayas described 2025 as a challenging fiscal year due to significant changes in national tax policies and the introduction of new tax reform laws, noting that the year marked a transition period ahead of the full implementation of the reforms in 2026.

He presented a comparative overview of the state’s revenue performance over the last three years, highlighting steady growth in collections. According to him, Plateau State generated ₦15.9 billion in 2022 against a target of ₦24.1 billion, representing 58 per cent performance. In 2023, revenue rose to ₦25.8 billion from a ₦28.6 billion target, achieving about 90 per cent. In 2024, the state generated ₦31.1 billion out of a ₦38.8 billion target, while in 2025, revenue climbed to ₦45.1 billion, the first time the state crossed the ₦40 billion mark.

Focusing on PSIRS performance alone, Dr. Wayas said the agency recorded its highest achievement since inception in 2025 by generating ₦32 billion out of a ₦34 billion target, representing 94 per cent performance. He noted that this was the first time the service had achieved over 90 per cent of its budgeted target.

He added that revenue generated by ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) also improved over the years, although performance varied. MDAs generated ₦12.5 billion in 2025 against a target of ₦17.9 billion, representing about 70 per cent performance.

Dr. Wayas attributed the improved revenue trajectory to institutional reforms, automation of revenue collection processes and the elimination of cash transactions, stressing that Plateau State is among a few states operating a fully cashless revenue system.

He also addressed concerns surrounding the new tax reforms, explaining that the changes were designed to reduce the burden on taxpayers through increased reliefs and allowances. According to him, the revised Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) structure now exempts the first ₦800,000 of income from tax, compared to the previous ₦300,000 threshold, while introducing rent relief allowances of up to ₦500,000.

“These reforms are actually designed to put more money in the hands of taxpayers. However, states must now improve efficiency and expand the tax net to prevent revenue decline,” he said.

Speaking on mining activities in Plateau State, the PSIRS chairman expressed concern over revenue losses resulting from illegal mining and the shipment of minerals to other states for registration and export, which deprives Plateau of royalties.

He explained that while mining falls under the exclusive legislative list and royalties are paid to the Federal Government, income earned by individuals involved in mining activities is taxable by the state.

Dr. Wayas said the service has begun collaborating with relevant federal agencies to obtain records of mining operators and trace income flows, particularly through banking transactions, in order to bring eligible individuals and companies into the state’s tax net.

He acknowledged the challenges of taxing informal and illegal mining operations but expressed optimism that ongoing collaboration and improved data access would enhance revenue from the sector.

The PSIRS chairman thanked taxpayers and stakeholders for their cooperation and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to growing revenue without imposing hardship on residents, while ensuring transparency and accountability in revenue collection.

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Plateau at 50: Gomwalk, Lar, Pwajok, Yilwatda, Okoko, Usiju Event Centre Honoured at Plateau Man of the Year Awards 2025

Prominent past and present leaders, institutions and public figures were honoured at the 11th edition of the Plateau Man of the Year Awards (PMYA) 2025, held at the Usiju World Event Centre in Jos, for their outstanding contributions to leadership, service and development in Plateau State.

Those recognised included the late former Governor of Benue-Plateau State, CP Joseph Dechi Gomwalk; late former Governor of Plateau State, Solomon Lar; late former Senator representing Plateau North, Gyang Nyam Shom Pwajok; APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe; Ambassador Godwin Okoko of Bege Foundation; Usiju World Event Centre and its Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Naomi Gadzama; and Hon. Gyang Bere, Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Plateau State Governor.

The highlight of the ceremony was the emergence of Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe as the Plateau Man of the Year, as the event celebrated excellence, legacy and transformative impact across generations.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of COA Media and organiser of the awards, Ambassador Cletus Akhimien, said the Plateau Man of the Year Awards were instituted to honour men and women who are contributing meaningfully to the growth and development of Plateau State and society at large. He noted that the 2025 edition was particularly significant as it coincides with Plateau State’s 50th anniversary, adding that the awards celebrate individuals who have made the state proud over the past five decades.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of former Senator representing Plateau North, Sen. Istifanus Gyang, Barr. Sam Dido said the lecture focused on leadership, service and impact as key lessons from Plateau State’s 50 years of existence, describing the golden jubilee as a time for reflection and renewal. He stressed that leadership is about service and results, not titles, and urged leaders and citizens to embrace ethical governance, unity and measurable impact as the state looks to the next 50 years.

The event also featured the launch of Eminence Magazine, unveiled by the 2025 Plateau Man of the Year, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, who described the publication as rich and educative. In support of the initiative, a donation of ₦5 million was made on his behalf for the purchase of 10 copies, with other stakeholders also pledging support.

Receiving a Posthumous Award for Democracy and Nation Building on behalf of the family of the late Solomon Lar, Prof. Mary Lar thanked the organisers for recognising his enduring legacy, describing him as a leader committed to service, unity and good governance, and called on Plateau State to preserve and celebrate his contributions for future generations.

Also speaking, Ambassador Godwin Okoko, Executive Director of Bege Foundation and awardee for Peace Advocacy and Community Impact, commended the organisers for their consistency and urged future editions to recognise more grassroots and community stakeholders whose efforts often go unnoticed, while pledging support for Eminence Magazine.

Mrs. Naomi Gadzama, CEO of Usiju World Event Centre, who won CEO of the Year while her facility was named Best Event Centre of the Year 2025, described the awards as well-deserved and encouraged the organisers to sustain the initiative.

Vice Chairman of the Plateau State NUJ and Best Journalist of the Year, Mr. Pam Musa, dedicated his award to journalists across the state and called on media practitioners to continue promoting peace, development and responsible reporting.

Other award recipients at the ceremony included Sen. Simon Mwadkwon, Hon. Ubandoma Joshua Laven, Chief Ephraim Usman Gar, Hon. Silas Patrick Dung, Rt. Hon. Fom Gwottson (Banga by Nature), Arin Izere, NASCO, Jay FM, Queen Stephanie Veirat Joseph, PLASCHEMA, 4wardwego, David Thomas, Abdulrashid Sani Waziri, Linghzi Global, Nanle Longsan and several others, all recognised for their exceptional leadership, service and community impact in Plateau State.

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Petrol Price Could Rise to ₦1,000/Litre Over Coastal Logistics — Dangote Refinery

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has warned that continued reliance on coastal logistics for fuel distribution could push petrol pump prices close to ₦1,000 per litre.

In a statement on Thursday, the refinery explained that coastal logistics — the transportation of petroleum products by sea rather than through pipelines or direct land evacuation — adds significant and avoidable costs to fuel distribution.

While noting that marketers are free to choose their preferred evacuation methods, the refinery cautioned that sustained dependence on coastal delivery could impose an additional cost of about ₦1.75 trillion annually on the economy.

“Reliance on coastal delivery, particularly within Lagos, may introduce avoidable costs with material implications for fuel pricing, consumer welfare and overall economic wellbeing,” the company said.

According to the refinery, coastal logistics could add roughly ₦75 per litre to the cost of petrol, which, if passed on to consumers, would push the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) close to ₦1,000 per litre.

Based on Nigeria’s average daily consumption of about 50 million litres of petrol and 14 million litres of diesel, the refinery estimated that the extra logistics cost would total approximately ₦1.752 trillion annually, a burden that would ultimately be borne by producers or consumers.

Reaffirming its commitment to affordable, high-quality petroleum products, Dangote Refinery urged marketers and policymakers to adopt more cost-effective logistics options that support price stability and protect consumers.

The company highlighted its investment in infrastructure, including a world-class gantry facility with 91 loading bays capable of dispatching up to 2,900 tankers daily. Operating кругл the clock, the facility can evacuate over 50 million litres of PMS, 14 million litres of diesel, and other refined products each day.

“While the refinery remains open to coastal loading where logistics make it necessary, gantry loading remains the most economically efficient and operationally effective option,” the statement noted.

The refinery added that direct gantry evacuation eliminates port charges, maritime levies, and vessel-related costs that do not add value to end users, thereby reducing costs and improving distribution efficiency. It also renewed calls for coordinated nationwide investment in pipeline infrastructure.

Addressing claims that it imports finished petroleum products, the refinery dismissed the allegations as misleading, clarifying that it only imports intermediate feedstock due to ongoing maintenance on its residue fluid catalytic cracking unit, in line with global industry practice.

It challenged anyone with evidence of finished-product imports to present it to relevant regulatory authorities, describing such claims as attempts to justify continued fuel importation.

The refinery further noted that since it began operations, diesel prices have dropped from about ₦1,700 per litre to around ₦980–₦990, while PMS prices have fallen from about ₦1,250 per litre to between ₦839 and ₦900.

According to the company, increased domestic fuel supply has reduced imports, eased foreign exchange pressure, improved market stability, and supported a stronger naira, currently trading at about ₦1,385 to the dollar.

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Meet Plateau State New Commissioner of Police, “CP Bassey Ewah”

The Nigeria Police Force has appointed CP Bassey Samuel Ewah as the new Commissioner of Police in Plateau State, following his redeployment by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. CP Ewah takes over from CP Emmanuel Adesina, who recently retired from active service.

CP Ewah formally assumed duty at the Plateau State Police Command Headquarters in Jos, where he was received by senior officers of the command. In his first address, the new police chief pledged to strengthen security, enhance professionalism, and foster cooperation between the police, other security agencies, and host communities across the state. He assured residents that his administration would be guided by intelligence-led policing and respect for the rule of law.

A seasoned officer with decades of experience in the Nigeria Police Force, CP Ewah hails from Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State. Before his posting to Plateau State, he served as the Deputy Commandant of the Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State, where he played a key role in training and mentoring future police leaders.

His previous assignments also include serving as Deputy Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, where he handled sensitive administrative and operational responsibilities in one of the country’s most complex policing environments. CP Ewah was promoted to the rank of Commissioner of Police in 2024 and has since held strategic command and training positions within the Force.

Security stakeholders in Plateau State have expressed optimism that his blend of field experience and leadership background will contribute positively to ongoing efforts to maintain peace and address security challenges in the state.

As he begins his tenure, CP Ewah is expected to build on existing security frameworks while introducing fresh strategies aimed at protecting lives and property and deepening public trust in the police.

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INEC Acknowledges Wike-Aligned PDP Faction, Nenadi Usman–Led Labour Party

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally recognised the faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as well as the Labour Party (LP) caretaker committee led by Senator Nenadi Usman.

INEC invited the PDP faction led by Abdulraham Mohammed and Senator Samuel Anyanwu to its political parties’ stakeholders’ meeting held on Thursday as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections. The faction represented the crisis-hit PDP at the meeting organised by the electoral body.

The development follows a recent ruling by the Federal High Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, which sacked the Barr. Tanimu Turaki-led PDP faction.

Also in attendance at the meeting was the Labour Party caretaker committee chaired by Senator Nenadi Usman. The gathering featured other key political actors, including the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and representatives of the David Mark-led African Democratic Congress (ADC), among others.

Speaking earlier at a media stakeholders’ engagement on Wednesday, INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, said the Commission was bound to respect court judgements, noting that it had recognised the Nenadi Usman-led Labour Party in line with existing judicial decisions. He added that INEC would comply with any subsequent court rulings that may override the current verdicts.

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Plateau Debate Guild Seeks Collaboration with PLASIEC to Deepen Voter Education, Peaceful Elections

The Plateau Debate Guild has expressed interest in partnering with the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) to strengthen voter education, candidate engagement, and peaceful elections ahead of future polls in the state.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to PLASIEC headquarters on February 4, 2026, the Director General of the Guild, Isaac Sanda, said the organisation has over 15 years’ experience and has successfully organised gubernatorial debates across three election cycles, helping to shape informed voter choices in Plateau State. He noted that this was the first formal engagement with PLASIEC and described the visit as an opportunity to explore areas of collaboration.

Sanda congratulated the Commission on the conduct of credible local government elections and said the Guild is prepared to support PLASIEC through candidate town halls, voter sensitisation, peace advocacy, and social media campaigns, particularly on voter registration and non-violent participation. He stressed that engaging candidates directly would help bridge the communication gap between electoral authorities and voters at the grassroots.

Responding, PLASIEC Chairman, Hon. Plangji Daniel Cishak, commended the Plateau Debate Guild for its credibility and long-standing contribution to democratic discourse. He emphasized that modern elections require inclusivity and active stakeholder participation, noting that the Commission is committed to building a culture of integrity, institutional strength, and best electoral practices that will outlive current leadership.

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CAJR Seeks Full Partnership with PLASIEC Ahead of 2026 Plateau LG Elections

The Center for the Advocacy of Justice and Rights CAJR has expressed its readiness to partner fully with the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) ahead of the September 2026 local government elections.

During a courtesy visit to PLASIEC headquarters on February 4, 2026, CAJR representative, Sarah Johnson, said the organisation had previously collaborated with the Commission during the 2024 elections through voter sensitisation, training, and grassroots mobilisation. She noted that CAJR’s core focus areas include good governance, social justice, peacebuilding, gender inclusion, and grassroots advocacy, adding that the group now seeks deeper and more structured engagement with PLASIEC.

Johnson explained that CAJR intends to support voter education, stakeholder trainings, and grassroots mobilisation across Plateau’s 17 local government areas, stressing that the organisation wants to be part of PLASIEC’s success story in 2026.

In his response, PLASIEC Chairman, Hon. Plangji Daniel Cishak, welcomed the initiative, describing elections as a collective responsibility that requires credible civil society partnerships. He highlighted the Commission’s commitment to inclusivity, particularly for women, vulnerable groups, and persons with disabilities, noting ongoing infrastructural upgrades to enhance access.

Cishak reaffirmed PLASIEC’s openness to collaboration and assured CAJR of support as preparations for the 2026 elections continue, with due consideration for the 2027 general elections.

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ACIPA Seeks Partnership with PLASIEC to Strengthen Electoral Integrity in Plateau

The Arewa Christian and Indigenous Pastors Association (ACIPA) has expressed its desire to partner with the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) in promoting credible elections and deepening democratic values across Plateau State.

ACIPA made this known during a courtesy visit to the headquarters of PLASIEC on February 4, 2026. Speaking during the visit, the Chairman of the association, Rev. Luke Shehu, explained that ACIPA was established to complement existing Christian bodies while supporting democratic institutions through advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and grassroots mobilisation.

He emphasized that the independence and adequate funding of State Independent Electoral Commissions, alongside autonomous and well-resourced local governments, remain critical to the sustainability of Nigeria’s democracy.

Rev. Shehu noted that ACIPA is committed to mobilising communities at the grassroots to support peaceful participation in the electoral process and pledged the association’s readiness to collaborate with PLASIEC in voter sensitisation and civic engagement initiatives across the state.

Responding, the Chairman of PLASIEC, Hon. Plangji Daniel Cishak, welcomed ACIPA’s interest in partnership and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to inclusivity, transparency, and strict adherence to constitutional provisions. He noted that effective collaboration with stakeholders contributed significantly to the relative success of the 2024 local government elections.

Hon. Cishak further restated PLASIEC’s openness to working with credible civil society and faith-based organisations, while calling for sustained support in voter registration sensitisation and Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection to strengthen democratic participation in Plateau State.

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Hon. Joyce Ramnap Marks One Year of Transformative Leadership at Plateau Information Ministry

One year ago, on the 4th of February 2025, Rt. Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, mni assumed duties as the Honourable Commissioner of Information and Communication, Plateau State. She thus became the second female occupant of the office in its long history, underscoring the significance of her appointment in an otherwise male dominated field.

Appointed by the Executive Governor, Barr. Caleb Mannaseh Mutfwang to rejig the state information machinery, Rt. Hon. Ramnap simply hit the ground running, bringing to the crowded table a rich rappertoire of public service experience, garnered especially in the legislature where she was at one time deputy speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly.

Her appointment as Commissioner for Information and Communication was no doubt a mark of the governor’s faith in her abilities. Yet, it was also a humbling experience for her to have been saddled with an office so critical to the realisation of the “Time is Now” development agenda.

In line with the administration’s quest for transparency, accountability and good governance, the Honourable Commissioner has indeed deployed her time and talent towards reinventing the ideals that drove the ministry’s operations in its heyday.

Since assuming office last year, she has focused on developing the capacity of staff to meet the emerging standards and deliver optimally on the ministry’s primary mandate. In other words, staff have been positioned to drive initiatives that promote effective communication, transparency, and citizen engagement.

Notably, the commissioner has sustained and improved on some key activities of the ministry such as the Ministerial Press Briefing which brought together Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to present their scorecards, to mark the 2nd year anniversary of the “Time is Now Administration”.

This platform showcased the administration’s accomplishments and commitment to open governance.

Not resting on her oars, the Commissioner initiated the formation of the Information Centre, a modern facility that enhances the ministry’s communication capabilities and also serves as a conference Hall for other ministries.

Aware of the importance of government presence on the information superhighway, Rt. Hon. Joyce Ramnap also led the efforts for the reactivation of the ministry’s website in collaboration with Plateau State Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (PICTDA).

Furthermore, the Hon. Commissioner was at the head of a media tour to inspect projects of the “Time is Now” administration, highlighting the commitment of the administration to development and accountability.

Promoting synergy among state-owned media organizations for the pursuit of a common goal, Ramnap has also engaged the private media on a retainership basis, which has ensured better and more professional reportage of activities in the state.

On the whole, the commissioner’s efforts have focused on strengthening government communication, transparency, and citizen engagement. She has, in this light, led strategic communication reform, fostered strong media relationships, and ensured accurate information dissemination.

The management and staff of the ministry therefore identifies with the Honourable Commissioner as she toes this path that seeks a positive image for Plateau State, and which supports the “Time is Now Administration’s” vision for a prosperous and developed Plateau State.

Happy one year anniversary, Honourable Commissioner!

SIGNED:
Nanman Jonah Kparbong,
Permanent Secretary,
Ministry of Information and Communication,
Plateau State.

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PDP Charges PLASIEC to Ensure Transparency Ahead of Plateau LG Elections

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau State has charged the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) to conduct the forthcoming local government council elections with transparency, fairness and inclusiveness.

The call was made during a courtesy visit by the PDP leadership to the PLASIEC headquarters, where the party engaged the commission on preparations for the upcoming polls.

Speaking on behalf of the party, the PDP State Vice Chairman North, Hon. Musa H. Sule, said the visit was aimed at familiarising the party with the commission and introducing newly elected members of the party’s state executive. He described the engagement as both a civic duty and a responsibility, noting that PDP remains a major stakeholder in Plateau State’s democratic process.

Hon. Sule commended PLASIEC for releasing the election timetable and assured the commission of the party’s commitment to peaceful participation and strict adherence to electoral guidelines. He stressed the need for a level playing field for all political parties and urged the commission to continue engaging critical stakeholders to ensure that the will of the people is respected.

Responding, the PLASIEC Chairman, Hon. Plangji Daniel Cishak, welcomed the PDP delegation. He congratulated the PDP officials on their new positions and reaffirmed the commission’s resolve to uphold professionalism, independence and fairness.

Hon. Cishak disclosed that upon assuming office, the commission embarked on major institutional reforms, including reorganization of departments, strengthening staff capacity and promoting a culture of credibility and accountability. He noted that PLASIEC’s inclusive approach contributed to the peaceful conduct of the 2024 local government elections.

The chairman further assured the PDP that all political parties and stakeholders would be carried along in the electoral process, adding that the commission is committed to accommodating vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, women and youths. He also highlighted ongoing rehabilitation works at the commission’s headquarters to improve accessibility and institutional standards.

Hon. Cishak confirmed that PLASIEC has complied with relevant legal provisions, published notices of election, and is preparing for subsequent activities, including party primaries scheduled between March 7 and March 12.

Both parties expressed optimism for a cordial working relationship and a credible local government election in Plateau State.