The Ekiti State Government says its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has risen to ₦2.75 billion monthly, attributing the growth to improved voluntary tax compliance, digital tax administration and an expanded tax base.
The Chairman of the Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service (EKIRS), Olaniran Olatona, disclosed this in Ado Ekiti on Saturday, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to a fair, transparent and sustainable tax system that supports businesses and economic growth.
According to Olatona, the state’s IGR increased by 33.2 per cent from ₦2.06 billion recorded in June 2025 to ₦2.75 billion in June 2026.
He added that monthly collections have remained stable at about ₦2.74 billion since April 2026 despite the suspension of enforcement measures, including roadblocks and the sealing of business premises, since July 2025.
The EKIRS chairman attributed the improvement to the automation and digitalisation of tax collection, which expanded payment channels, reduced revenue leakages and widened the tax net. He also cited the growth of the formal Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) system and stronger withholding tax compliance.
Olatona said the agency was focused on creating a taxpayer-friendly system that encourages voluntary compliance rather than punitive enforcement.
“Our responsibility is not to punish taxpayers but to ensure fairness. We are more interested in helping businesses grow because thriving businesses ultimately translate into sustainable revenue for government,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the agency would surpass its monthly revenue target of over ₦3 billion before the end of the year without introducing new taxes or increasing existing rates.
According to him, EKIRS plans to achieve the target by expanding the tax base, identifying previously untaxed incomes through technology and data intelligence, and improving taxpayer participation while complying with data protection regulations.
Olatona also disclosed that the agency is working with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and local government councils to introduce a central billing system aimed at eliminating multiple taxation and simplifying payment processes.
Reacting to recent protests over alleged tax increases, he clarified that the Notices of Assessment recently issued to taxpayers were only intended to notify them of their tax liabilities for the 2024 and 2025 tax years and should not be viewed as enforcement actions.
He explained that the notices were issued in accordance with the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025, which allows taxpayers to challenge their assessments by submitting written objections within 30 days, while tax authorities are required to respond within 90 days.
Olatona assured residents that EKIRS would continue to review genuine complaints and assist taxpayers facing difficulties with compliance procedures.
He added that the agency had intensified taxpayer education through engagements with market associations, landlords’ associations, religious organisations and other stakeholder groups, while encouraging market groups to work with tax consultants to improve compliance and financial record-keeping.
