Oyebanji Urges JTB to Drive Effective, Fair Tax System

…reaffirms Ekiti’s commitment to national tax reforms

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has called on the Joint Tax Board (JTB) to ensure the implementation of an effective and equitable tax system that aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s newly enacted tax reforms.

Speaking at the opening of the 2025 JTB Strategic Retreat held on Friday at Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, Ikogosi-Ekiti, the governor stressed that a robust tax system remains critical to economic growth and citizen welfare.

Oyebanji praised President Tinubu for championing the reform package, which he described as transformative and a fulfillment of the social contract between government and citizens. He explained that the reforms aim to broaden the tax base, simplify compliance, enhance transparency, digitalize tax administration, and strengthen revenue mobilization.

With the implementation set to begin in January 2026, the governor urged retreat participants—including the executive chairmen of state revenue services—to fully assess the law’s implications for national development. According to him, the reforms represent a “pivotal shift toward a resilient and self-reliant economy.”

Highlighting Ekiti’s progress, Oyebanji disclosed that his administration had increased the state’s internally generated revenue from ₦650 million to over ₦2 billion in just 26 months, providing vital funds for projects that directly benefit citizens. He also announced plans to commission a new Ekiti Revenue House within four weeks, underscoring his support for the state’s Internal Revenue Service.

“President Tinubu’s vision deserves our commendation. These reforms will shape Nigeria’s economy for decades,” he said. “Here in Ekiti, we have shown that when people see their taxes working for them, compliance follows naturally.”

The governor further invited investors to consider Ekiti, citing opportunities in agriculture, solid minerals, tourism, and the Ekiti Knowledge Zone (EKZ), all within a peaceful, reform-driven environment.

In his remarks, JTB Chairman Zacch Adedeji—represented by Federal Inland Revenue Service Coordinating Director Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar—commended Oyebanji for creating the conditions that have boosted voluntary tax compliance in Ekiti. He described the retreat’s theme, “Re-imagining the Nigeria Tax Eco-system: Harnessing the Four Tax Reform Laws as Game Changers in Tax Administration,” as timely and strategic.

Also speaking, Ekiti IRS Chairman Olaniran Olatona thanked the governor for his unwavering support, noting that the reforms would usher in unprecedented improvements in tax administration nationwide.

The event was attended by senior government officials, including the Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, Chief of Staff Niyi Adebayo, CPS Yinka Oyebode, and revenue service chairmen from all 36 states.