Calls for effective, equitable tax system

As JTB deliberates on enforcement of Tinubu’s tax reforms nationally

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has called on members of the Joint Tax Board (JTB), the apex body for all tax authorities in Nigeria, to see Ekiti as a prime destination for investments.

According to Oyebanji, the state offers a stable, reform-minded government, a highly literate and trainable workforce, vast opportunities in agriculture, the Ekiti Knowledge Zone (EKZ), tourism, and solid minerals, all within a secure and peaceful environment conducive to business growth.

He urged the JTB to ensure an effective and equitable tax system in the country in a bid to ensure the fulfilment of the tax reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, recently passed by the National Assembly.

The governor stated this at the weekend at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Joint Tax Board Strategic Retreat held at Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, Ikogosi-Ekiti.

Oyebanji reaffirmed the commitment of his administration towards the implementation of the National Tax Reforms, noting that the importance of a robust tax system in driving economic growth and citizens’ welfare cannot be overemphasized.

The governor commended President Tinubu for proposing a far-reaching reform aimed at lifting the living standards of citizens, which, according to him, is truly transformative and a collective fulfilment of the social contract that reinforces democratic governance for the existence of the country.

He explained that the key objectives of the bill are aimed at deepening the tax base, enhancing revenue mobilisation, simplifying compliance procedures, fostering transparency and accountability across revenue agencies, as well as encouraging digitalisation in tax administration. He added that the implementation of the bill next year will reshape the process of revenue mobilisation and delivery of sustainable development.

Governor Oyebanji charged participants at the retreat, which included Executive Chairmen of Internal Revenue Services of the 36 states of the federation, to effectively deliberate on the implications of the law to national development, which he described as a pivotal shift towards a resilient and self-reliant economy to achieve transformative policy.

“Beyond this retreat, I invite you to see Ekiti as a prime destination for investment. We offer a stable, reform-minded government, a highly literate and trainable workforce, vast opportunities in agriculture, the Ekiti Knowledge Zone (EKZ), tourism, and solid minerals, all within a secure and peaceful environment conducive to business growth,” he said. “With the signing of these Tax Reform Bills by the President, and the planned commencement of implementation starting from January 2026, we have been presented with a historic opportunity to reshape how our country mobilises revenue, fosters compliance, and delivers sustainable development.

“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.

“We in Ekiti State are committed to implementing these national reforms effectively and efficiently. We recognise the importance of a robust tax system in driving economic growth and enhancing citizen welfare. During your stay, I encourage you to see how we have channelled every kobo generated into projects that directly impact the lives of our people—a key factor in the high levels of voluntary compliance we have witnessed.

“In a tangible show of support for our Internal Revenue Service, I am pleased to announce that I will be commissioning the new Ekiti Revenue House within the next four weeks.”

In his remarks, the Chairman, Joint Tax Board, Mr. Zacch Adedeji, who commended Governor Oyebanji for providing effective leadership for the Internal Revenue Service to thrive in the state, noted that the theme of the retreat, “Re-imagining the Nigeria Tax Eco-system: Harnessing the Four Tax Reform Laws as Game Changers in Tax Administration”, was apt and critically chosen to enforce President Tinubu’s tax reform nationally.

Adedeji, who was represented by the Coordinating Director of the Federal Internal Revenue Service, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, commended Ekiti State citizens for their voluntary compliance with tax payment because of the performance of the Governor, whom he said has done the right thing by investing the people’s money in their welfare, which helped in moving the internally generated revenue of the state high.

The Chairman, Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Olaniran Olatona, expressed appreciation to Governor Oyebanji, who had been a pillar of support to the process of internally generated revenue in the state, which he promised to effectively use for the development of the state and which has brought about voluntary compliance with tax payment by residents of the state.

Olatona noted that the tax system was already equipped for a dynamic change that would bring improvement to the lives of the citizens since it was the first time the country was experiencing such massive reform, expected to be beneficial to all.