Ekiti State on Tuesday became the first state in the federation to domesticate the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, following the signing into law of the Ekiti State Revenue Administration Law, 2025 by Governor Biodun Oyebanji.
Governor Oyebanji assented to the new revenue law alongside the 2026 Budget of ₦415.57 billion, christened the Budget of Sustainable Governance, at a brief ceremony held at the Executive Council Chamber, Governor’s Office, Ado-Ekiti.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; Executive Secretary of the Joint Revenue Board, Segun Adesokan; members of the State Executive Council, lawmakers and other key stakeholders.
Addressing the gathering, Oyebanji described the new revenue law as more than a fiscal instrument, calling it a bold statement of Ekiti’s commitment to transparency, modern governance and economic empowerment.
“From today, Ekiti adopts a strictly electronic payment, billing and receipting system. This will eradicate leakages and ensure that payments go directly into the state’s coffers,” the governor declared.
He said the law repeals the Ekiti State Board of Internal Revenue Law 2019 (as amended) to fully align the state’s revenue framework with the four new National Tax Reform Acts, adopt the Harmonised Taxes and Levies Approved List issued by the Joint Revenue Board, and strengthen implementation of the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER).
According to Oyebanji, the law institutionalises fairness, certainty, accountability and harmony in revenue administration, while eliminating double taxation and protecting taxpayers from extortion.
“This legislation consolidates existing laws and streamlines them for more efficient and transparent revenue collection. It enhances ease of doing business, empowers local governments, strengthens institutions and promotes investment,” he said.
The governor added that the law designates the Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service (EKIRS) as the sole agency for revenue collection, allows the accreditation of professional tax agents, and empowers the service to employ legal officers with prosecutorial authority, alongside administrative penalties to deter default and reward compliance.
Oyebanji also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as transformative leadership and strong support for Ekiti State, pledging continued pursuit of policies aimed at shared prosperity and improved living standards for residents.
JRB Hails Ekiti’s Leadership
Speaking at the event, Executive Secretary of the Joint Revenue Board, Segun Adesokan, praised Ekiti for taking the lead in domesticating the Act, recalling that the request was made during the Board’s retreat in Ikogosi-Ekiti in September.
“Ekiti has become the first state to give life to the Nigerian Tax Administration Act. This is a major milestone and a reaffirmation of professionalism and autonomy in revenue administration,” Adesokan said, expressing optimism that other states would follow Ekiti’s example.
2026 Budget Signed
Meanwhile, Governor Oyebanji also signed the ₦415.57 billion 2026 Appropriation Bill, noting that the budget would prioritise completion of ongoing projects, food security, wealth creation and infrastructural development.
He said the budget would help consolidate achievements of his administration as it approaches the end of its first term in office.
A breakdown of the budget shows 53 per cent allocated to recurrent expenditure and 47 per cent to capital expenditure.
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