Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji has called on members of the Joint Tax Board, JTB, the apex body for all tax authorities in Nigeria, to ensure effective and equitable tax system in the country, to ensure the fulfillment of the Tax Reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

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

Governor Oyebanji noted that the importance of a robust tax system in driving economic growth and citizens’ welfare cannot be over emphasized, commending Tinubu for proposing a far-reaching reform aimed at lifting the living standards of citizens.

He explained that the key objectives of the bill are aimed at deepening the tax base, enhancing revenue mobilization, simplifying compliance procedures, fostering transparency and accountability across revenue agencies, as well as encouraging digitalization in tax administration.

He added that the implementation of the bill in 2026 will reshape the process of revenue mobilization and delivery of sustainable development.

Governor Oyebanji charged participants at the retreat, including 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.

“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 mobilizes 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.

In his remarks, the Chairman, Joint Tax Board, Mr Zacch Adedeji, who commended Governor Oyebanji providing effective leadership for 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 Federal Internal Revenue Service Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar. commended Ekiti State citizens for their voluntary compliance to tax payment because of the performance of the Governor whom he said has done the right thing by investing the people’s money on 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 used for the development of the state and which have brought about voluntary compliance to tax payment by residents of the state.