Ekiti State has become the first state in Nigeria to domesticate the Nigeria Tax Administration Act following the signing of the Ekiti State Revenue Administration Law, 2025, by Governor Biodun Oyebanji.
The governor assented to the new revenue law on Wednesday in Ado-Ekiti. At the same time, he also signed the state’s 2026 budget of ₦415.57 billion into law.
The brief ceremony took place at the Executive Council Chamber. It drew key government officials and stakeholders from across the state.
Revenue Law Signals Shift to Digital Tax System
Speaking at the event, Oyebanji described the new law as a bold step toward transparency and modern governance. According to him, the legislation will strengthen Ekiti’s revenue system and support economic empowerment.
“From today, Ekiti adopts a strictly electronic payment, billing and receipting system,” the governor said. “As a result, this will block leakages and ensure all payments go directly into government accounts.”
He explained that the law repeals the Ekiti State Board of Internal Revenue Law of 2019. Therefore, it aligns the state with ongoing national tax reforms.
Ekiti Aligns With National Tax Reforms
Oyebanji said the legislation adopts the harmonised list of taxes and levies approved by the Joint Revenue Board. Consequently, it promotes fairness, certainty, and accountability in revenue administration.
In addition, the law grants the Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service sole authority to collect revenue. It also allows the accreditation of professional tax agents.
Furthermore, the law empowers the service with prosecutorial authority and administrative penalty powers. According to the governor, these measures will improve compliance and ease of doing business.
Joint Revenue Board Commends Ekiti
The Executive Secretary of the Joint Revenue Board, Segun Adesokan, commended Ekiti for taking the lead. He said the state fulfilled a request made during the board’s retreat in Ikogosi last September.
“Ekiti is the first state to domesticate the Nigeria Tax Administration Act,” Adesokan said. “This shows strong commitment to professionalism and autonomy in revenue administration.”
He expressed optimism that other states would soon follow Ekiti’s example.
Oyebanji Signs 2026 Budget
At the same event, Oyebanji signed the 2026 budget, tagged the Budget of Sustainable Governance. He said the spending plan would focus on completing ongoing projects, food security, wealth creation, and infrastructure.
The budget allocates 53 percent to recurrent expenditure. Meanwhile, 47 percent goes to capital projects.
