Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to prudent and transparent management of public resources as a strategy to stimulate sustainable development across the state.

Speaking at the 27th Annual Tax Conference of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, which was held at the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Federal Capital Territory on Tuesday, Mutfwang described taxation as a crucial component to funding government programmes and activities for the benefit of the people.

Mutfwang’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, in a statement on Wednesday said the governor while speaking on the conference theme, “Taxation for Development: Policies, Laws, and Implementation,” described the event as a timely and strategic platform to interrogate ongoing tax reforms and chart a realistic roadmap for accelerated national growth and development.

He noted that since assuming office, his administration has prioritised the judicious use of public funds to address critical needs, improve the living conditions of citizens, and create a conducive environment to attract investments and development incentives.

“I commend CITN for organising this important conference to reflect on how taxation policies and collection mechanisms can be more effective in fostering national development.

“This is crucial, as taxation remains a key driver for funding government programmes,” Mutfwang stated.

He emphasised the need for transparency, accountability and inclusivity in the implementation of tax reforms to ensure they yield the intended outcomes for all Nigerians.

“To test the validity and credibility of the current tax reforms, those charged with their implementation must embrace transparency and inclusiveness. This is the only way to achieve equitable dividends of development,” he said.

The governor also expressed his readiness to collaborate with the Federal Inland Revenue Service, the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, and the Federal Ministry of Finance to ensure efficient tax administration across all levels.

“At the sub-national level, we are committed to prudent resource management. On the Plateau, we believe that you cannot tax poverty; you can only tax wealth. That’s why we are focusing first on stimulating economic activity and wealth creation before expanding the tax base,” he emphasised.

Mutfwang revealed that Plateau State’s internally generated revenue has seen a remarkable increase from N800 million to N3 billion monthly since the inception of his administration, attributing this progress to strategic reforms and investment in the economy.

Reiterating Plateau’s hospitality, he extended an open invitation to the CITN leadership to consider hosting future editions of the conference in the state, known as the “Home of Peace and Tourism.”

In his remarks, the President and Chairman of the Council of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, Samuel Agbeluyi, welcomed delegates to the conference and urged members to contribute meaningfully to the robust discussions aimed at propelling Nigeria’s economic advancement.

The Plateau contingent was led to the conference by the Executive Chairman, Plateau State Internal Revenue Service, Jim Pam Wayas.