BY LAW IBITOYE
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has urged members of the Joint Tax Board (JTB) to ensure the effective and equitable implementation of Nigeria’s new tax reforms, describing them as crucial to building a resilient economy.
Speaking at the 2025 JTB Strategic Retreat in Ikogosi-Ekiti, Oyebanji commended President Bola Tinubu for championing far-reaching reforms aimed at deepening the tax base, simplifying compliance, fostering transparency, and driving digitalization in tax administration.
He revealed that Ekiti’s Internally Generated Revenue has grown from N650 million to over N2 billion in just 26 months, attributing the feat to professionalism and judicious use of resources. The Governor also announced plans to commission the state’s new Revenue House within weeks.
“With these reforms taking effect in January 2026, we have a historic opportunity to reshape revenue mobilization and deliver real development,” he said.
Beyond taxation, Oyebanji invited investors to explore opportunities in the state’s agriculture sector, solid minerals, tourism, and the Ekiti Knowledge Zone (EKZ), describing Ekiti as “a reform-minded, peaceful state with a literate and trainable workforce.”
In his goodwill message, Chairman of the Joint Tax Board, Mr. Zacch Adedeji—represented by the Coordinating Director of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar—commended Oyebanji for providing effective leadership that has boosted voluntary tax compliance in the state.
He described the retreat’s theme, “Re-imagining the Nigerian Tax Ecosystem: Harnessing the Four Tax Reform Laws as Game Changers in Tax Administration”, as timely and aligned with President Tinubu’s reform agenda.
Mr. Olaniran Olatona, Chairman of the Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service, also lauded the Governor for his consistent support, noting that the reforms would usher in a dynamic system capable of significantly improving citizens’ lives.
Dignitaries at the retreat included the Ekiti State Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Niyi Adebayo; Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Yinka Oyebode; and Executive Chairmen of State Internal Revenue Services across the federation.