The Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service (EKIRS) announced on Saturday that the state’s monthly Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) increased from about N2.1 billion in January to over N2.7 billion in May and June this year.
They also stated that they have achieved 51 percent of their annual revenue target for 2026 within the first half of the year, without raising any taxes or introducing new ones.
Olaniran Olatona, the Executive Chairman of EKIRS, shared this information during a live radio program called “Ekiti Today” in Ado Ekiti, the capital of the state. He credited this growth to better voluntary tax compliance, digital tax management, public awareness, tax reforms, a stronger workforce, and the supportive environment created by Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration.
“The increase was achieved without using enforcement measures like roadblocks or shutting down businesses that default on their taxes.
“EKIRS has focused on widening the tax base, stopping revenue leaks, and using technology and data to improve tax collection,” he explained.
Mr Olatona praised residents for their growing readiness to pay taxes. He said this improvement came because people can see the development projects being done by the state government.
He stated, “Many taxpayers began to comply once they understood why they pay taxes and were convinced that their money was being used wisely for the state’s growth.”
The EKIRS chairman warned residents getting Certificates of Occupancy and Tax Clearance Certificates to be careful of fraudsters. He mentioned that those caught in tax scams would be arrested and prosecuted.
He explained that businesses are assessed based on their financial records. Taxpayers who are unhappy with an assessment have the right to object within 30 days by writing to the agency’s chairman for a review.
On compliance, Mr Olatona noted that EKIRS has stepped up awareness campaigns. They worked with the Head of Service and the Secretary to the State Government to ensure that civil servants and political office holders meet their tax filing requirements.
He added that tax defaulters would face a penalty of N100,000 for the first month of default and N50,000 for each month after that, on top of any unpaid taxes.
Discussing the short supply of vehicle number plates, Mr Olatona mentioned that EKIRS has teamed up with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to tackle this issue.
He revealed that the state received 1,000 additional number plates after discussions with FRSC officials in Lagos. He also told security agencies to be understanding towards commercial motorcycle operators affected by the shortage as the distribution continues.
The chairman rejected claims that new tax reforms had added extra burdens on residents. He explained that some taxes, like consumption tax, are no longer collected by the state under the new legal framework.
He urged residents to learn about existing tax laws to better understand the tax collection responsibilities of federal, state, and local governments.
Mr Olatona confirmed that the Oyebanji administration does not interfere with EKIRS operations. He called reports suggesting new taxes are being planned as false.
He added that the agency will keep focusing on technology-driven revenue management, data intelligence, and voluntary tax compliance to boost revenue and support economic growth in the state.
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