The Ekiti State Government has announced a 33.2 per cent increase in its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), with monthly collections rising to ₦2.75 billion, as the state intensifies efforts to achieve a ₦3 billion monthly revenue target before the end of the year.
The Chairman of the Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service (EKIRS), Olaniran Olatona, disclosed this in Ado Ekiti on Saturday, attributing the growth to improved voluntary tax compliance, digital tax administration and an expanded tax base.
According to Olatona, the state’s IGR increased from ₦2.06 billion in June 2025 to ₦2.75 billion in June 2026, representing a 33.2 per cent rise.
He noted that monthly revenue 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.
Olatona said the improvement was driven by the automation and digitalisation of tax collection, which expanded payment channels, reduced revenue leakages and widened the tax net. He also credited the growth to improved Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) collections and stronger withholding tax compliance.
He stressed that EKIRS is committed to building a fair, transparent and 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.
The EKIRS chairman expressed confidence that the agency would exceed its ₦3 billion monthly revenue target without introducing new taxes or increasing existing tax rates.
According to him, the target will be achieved by expanding the tax base, identifying previously untaxed incomes through technology and data intelligence, and increasing taxpayer participation while complying with data protection regulations.
He also disclosed that EKIRS is collaborating with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and local government councils to introduce a central billing system aimed at eliminating multiple taxation and simplifying tax payment processes.
Reacting to recent protests over alleged tax increases, Olatona clarified that the Notices of Assessment recently issued to taxpayers were only meant to notify them of their tax obligations for the 2024 and 2025 tax years and should not be interpreted as enforcement actions.
He explained that the notices were issued in line 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 address genuine complaints and support taxpayers facing compliance challenges.
He added that the agency has 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.
