By Abidemi Omoyajowo
…as Revenue Boss Rules Out New Taxes
The Executive Chairman of the Ekiti State Internal Revenue
Service (EKIRS), Mr Olaniran Olatona, has disclosed that the state's monthly
Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) had about #600 million increase between
January and June 2026 despite the fact that the revenue service did not deploy
enforcement measures such as roadblocks or the closure of defaulting business
premises within the period.
Olatona, who disclosed this in Ado-Ekiti while featuring on a
simulcast radio programme said the IGR rose from about ₦2.1 billion in January
to over ₦2.7 billion in May and June, attributing the achievement to improved
voluntary tax compliance, digital tax administration, public enlightenment, tax
reforms, an empowered workforce, and the enabling environment created by the
administration of Gov. Biodun Oyebanji.
The revenue service boss stated that EKIRS has achieved 51
per cent of its 2026 annual revenue target within the first six months of the
year, without introducing new taxes or increasing existing tax rates.
According to him, EKIRS has focused on expanding the tax
net, blocking revenue leakages, and deploying technology and data intelligence
to improve tax administration.
The chairman said taxpayers could conveniently make payments
through bank transfers, electronic payment platforms and the *5229# USSD code,
adding that the agency's transition to electronic documentation had enhanced
transparency, accountability and efficiency.
Olatona commended residents for their growing willingness to
meet their tax obligations, attributing the improved compliance to the visible
developmental projects being executed by the state government.
He said many taxpayers were encouraged to comply once they
understood the purpose of taxation and were convinced that their contributions
were being prudently utilised for the state's development.
The EKIRS boss advised residents processing Certificates of
Occupancy and Tax Clearance Certificates to beware of fraudsters, warning that
offenders involved in tax-related scams would be arrested and prosecuted.
He explained that businesses were assessed based on their
financial records, and that taxpayers dissatisfied with an assessment had the
legal right to file an objection within 30 days by writing to the agency's
chairman for a review.
On compliance, Olatona said EKIRS had intensified awareness
campaigns and collaborated with the Office of the Head of Service and the
Office of the Secretary to the State Government to ensure civil servants and
political office holders complied with statutory tax filing requirements.
He noted that defaulters were liable to a penalty of
₦100,000 for the first month of default and ₦50,000 for each subsequent month,
in addition to outstanding tax liabilities.
Speaking on the temporary shortage of vehicle number plates,
Olatona said EKIRS had partnered with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to
address the challenge.
He disclosed that the state had received 1,000 additional
number plates following engagements with FRSC authorities in Lagos, adding that
security agencies had been advised to show understanding towards commercial
motorcycle operators affected by the shortage while distribution continued.
The chairman also dismissed claims that recent tax reforms
had imposed additional burdens on residents, explaining that some taxes,
including consumption tax, were no longer collected by the state under the
current legal framework.
He urged residents to familiarise themselves with existing
tax laws to better understand the collection responsibilities of the federal,
state and local governments.
Olatona reaffirmed that the Oyebanji administration did not
interfere in EKIRS operations, describing reports alleging plans to introduce
new taxes as false.
He added that the agency would continue to prioritise
technology-driven revenue administration, data intelligence and voluntary tax
compliance to improve revenue generation while sustaining economic growth in
the state.
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