Ekiti Governor Oyebanji Urges JTB to Implement National Tax Reforms for Sustainable Development

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

Ikogosi-Ekiti – Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has called on members of the Joint Tax Board (JTB) to ensure the effective and equitable implementation of Nigeria’s national tax reforms, describing them as a pivotal step towards sustainable development and a self-reliant economy.

Governor Oyebanji made the remarks during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Joint Tax Board Strategic Retreat, held at the Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort in Ikogosi-Ekiti on Friday. The retreat brought together Executive Chairmen of Internal Revenue Services from the 36 states of the federation, as well as key federal officials, to deliberate on the implications of the recently passed Tax Reform Bills by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Commitment to National Tax Reforms

Reaffirming his administration’s dedication to the implementation of the reforms, Governor Oyebanji highlighted the crucial role of a robust tax system in driving economic growth and improving citizens’ welfare. He commended President Tinubu for proposing transformative reforms aimed at enhancing revenue mobilization, simplifying compliance procedures, and fostering transparency and accountability across revenue agencies.

“The key objectives of the bill are to deepen the tax base, enhance revenue mobilization, simplify compliance, foster transparency, and encourage digitalization in tax administration. Its implementation next year will reshape revenue mobilization processes and facilitate sustainable development,” the Governor said.

Governor Oyebanji urged participants to deliberate effectively on the potential impact of the reforms on national development, describing the initiative as a “pivotal shift towards a resilient and self-reliant economy.”

Ekiti State’s Revenue Milestones

The Governor commended the Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service, led by Chairman Mr Olaniran Olatona, for their professionalism and innovative strategies. He noted that his administration had successfully increased internally generated revenue (IGR) from N650 million to over N2 billion within 26 months, providing a solid foundation for funding critical development projects across the state.

“With the signing of these Tax Reform Bills by the President, and the planned commencement of implementation from January 2026, we have been presented with a historic opportunity to reshape how our country mobilizes revenue, fosters compliance, and delivers sustainable development,” Oyebanji said. “The courage and vision of Mr President deserve our highest commendation as we align with his determination to reposition Nigeria for greatness. These reforms will shape the trajectory of Nigeria’s economy for years to come.”

Promoting Transparency and Voluntary Compliance

The Governor highlighted Ekiti State’s success in promoting voluntary tax compliance by demonstrating transparency and accountability in the utilization of collected funds. He invited participants to observe how every kobo generated has been channeled into projects that directly impact citizens, a strategy that has strengthened trust and compliance.

In a tangible demonstration of support for the state’s tax administration, Oyebanji announced plans to commission the new Ekiti Revenue House within the next four weeks, further strengthening the capacity of the Internal Revenue Service.

Beyond revenue administration, the Governor positioned Ekiti State as a prime investment destination, highlighting its stable, reform-minded government, highly literate workforce, vast opportunities in agriculture, the Ekiti Knowledge Zone (EKZ), tourism, and solid minerals, all within a secure and peaceful environment.

Support from Joint Tax Board Leadership

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Joint Tax Board, Mr Zacch Adedeji, commended Governor Oyebanji for providing effective leadership that has allowed Ekiti’s Internal Revenue Service to thrive. Represented by the Coordinating Director of the Federal Internal Revenue Service, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, Adedeji described the retreat theme—“Re-imagining the Nigeria Tax Eco-System: Harnessing the Four Tax Reform Laws as Game Changers in Tax Administration”—as apt and crucial for national enforcement of the President’s tax reforms.

He also praised the citizens of Ekiti State for their voluntary compliance, attributing it to the Governor’s prudent management and investment of tax revenue in the welfare of the people, which has in turn encouraged further tax payments.

Ekiti IRS Ready for Transformation

Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service Chairman, Mr Olaniran Olatona, expressed gratitude to Governor Oyebanji for his unwavering support, promising to effectively utilize revenue for state development. Olatona emphasized that the state’s tax system is prepared for dynamic changes expected from the reforms, which are projected to improve the lives of citizens nationwide.

Key Attendees

Other dignitaries at the event included the Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi, Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Yinka Oyebode, and Executive Chairmen of Internal Revenue Services from all 36 states.

Akahi News gathered that the retreat provided a platform for critical discussions on operational strategies, digital transformation in tax administration, and collaborative approaches to achieving nationwide compliance with the new reforms, positioning Nigeria for long-term fiscal sustainability.

Akahi News http://www.akahinews.org