Adebayo Adenrele
Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has hailed President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform policy, saying it will shape the trajectory of Nigeria’s economic future.
Oyebanji, who described the measure as a historic opportunity to reposition the country for greatness, stated this over the weekend at the 2025 Joint Tax Board (JTB) Retreat in Ikogosi-Ekiti, which convened all 36 States’ Tax Revenue Chairmen and revenue experts from across the country.
Speaking at the retreat themed: “Re-Imagining the Nigerian Tax Eco-System: Harnessing the four tax reform laws as Game Changers in Tax administration”, the Governor hailed Tinubu for his courage and vision in driving the reforms, which are scheduled to take effect from January 2026.
Recall that the Tax Reform Act, recently passed by the National Assembly and signed into law, seeks to broaden Nigeria’s tax base, enhance revenue mobilization, simplify compliance, foster transparency, accountability and promote digitalization in tax administration.
Oyebanji said the passage of the Act marked a watershed moment in tax administration, noting that the reforms go beyond revenue collection and represent a blueprint for economic transformation.
He, however, cautioned that the real test of the reforms lies in their execution, urging participants at the retreat to collaborate and innovate in order to ensure effective implementation.
His words, “As part of the Renewed Hope agenda of the Federal Government, His Excellency, the President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR instituted a panel of some of the most distinguished tax experts to come up with a far-reaching tax reform proposal that could help transform the pre-existing tax regime in the country.
“The Committee later came up with a document which was sent to the National Assembly as a Bill. The Bill was passed by the National Assembly sometimes this year. After the initial skepticism that greeted the Bill by some individuals it is a thing of joy that every stakeholder has commended the Tax Reform Act as passed by the National Assembly as truly transformative and a watershed in tax administration.
“Notably, the key objectives of the Bill were aimed at broadening the tax base, enhancing revenue mobilization, simplifying compliance procedures, fostering transparency and accountability across revenue agencies, and encouraging digitalization in tax administration.
“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 deserves 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.
“This retreat therefore, provides a unique forum to deliberate on the implications of these laws and to share our expertise and experiences. While these reforms represent a pivotal shift towards a resilient and self-reliant economy, the real test, as with any transformative policy, lies in their implementation”.
In his goodwill message, Chairman of the Joint Tax Board, Zacch Adedeji, represented by the Coordinating Director of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar commended Oyebanji for providing effective leadership that has boosted voluntary tax compliance in the state, describing the retreat’s theme, as timely and aligned with President Tinubu’s reform agenda.
The Chairman of the Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service, Olaniran Olatona also lauded the Governor for his consistent support, noting that the reforms would usher in a dynamic system capable of significantly improving citizens’ lives.
Dignitaries at the retreat included the Ekiti State Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Niyi Adebayo; Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode; and Executive Chairmen of State Internal Revenue Services across the federation.
