The Ekiti State Government has said its Internally Generated Revenue rose to N2.75 billion in June 2026, expressing confidence that monthly collections will exceed N3 billion before the end of the year.
The Chairman of the Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service, Mr Olaniran Olatona, disclosed this in Ado Ekiti on Saturday, attributing the growth to improved voluntary tax compliance and ongoing reforms in the state's tax administration.
According to him, the government remains committed to a fair, transparent and sustainable tax system that encourages economic growth while ensuring taxpayers contribute their fair share to the state's development.
Olatona said the state's IGR increased by 33.2 per cent from the N2.06 billion recorded in June 2025 to N2.75 billion in June 2026, adding that monthly revenue had remained stable at about N2.74 billion since April this year.
He noted that the increase was achieved despite the suspension of enforcement measures, including roadblocks and the sealing of business premises, since July 2025.
The EKIRS chairman attributed the improved performance to the automation and digitalisation of tax collection, which expanded payment channels, widened the tax base and reduced revenue leakages. He also cited stronger compliance with Pay-As-You-Earn deductions and withholding tax obligations.
He said the agency's focus was not to impose additional taxes but to bring more eligible taxpayers into the system through technology-driven identification of previously untaxed incomes in line with data protection regulations.
Olatona also disclosed that the service was working with Ministries, Departments and Agencies as well as local government councils to introduce a central billing system aimed at eliminating multiple taxation and simplifying tax payments.
Reacting to recent protests over alleged tax increases, he clarified that the Notices of Assessment issued by the agency were only meant to notify taxpayers of their liabilities for the 2024 and 2025 tax years and should not be viewed as enforcement actions.
He explained that the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025, allows taxpayers to challenge assessments by submitting written objections within 30 days, while tax authorities are required to respond within 90 days.
The revenue chief assured residents that genuine complaints would be fairly reviewed, adding that the agency had intensified taxpayer education through engagements with market associations, landlords, religious organisations and other stakeholders to promote voluntary compliance.
He also encouraged market groups to engage tax consultants to improve understanding of tax laws and proper record-keeping.
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