Ekiti IRS Chairman Reaffirms Commitment to Enhancing Internally Generated Revenue The Chairman of the Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service (EKIRS), Mr. Olaniran Olatona, has reaffirmed the agency’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the State’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) through strategic reforms and innovative practices. This follows the Service’s recent performance, which has consistently recorded monthly IGR in excess of ₦2 billion since the beginning of the year—an almost 100% increase from previous figures. Mr. Olatona made this known during his appearance on Ekiti Loni / Ekiti Today, a live radio simulcast programme aired across the state. He attributed the growth in revenue to several forward-looking measures introduced by EKIRS, including improved tax administration processes, deployment of innovative technologies, institutional capacity development, and strengthened data intelligence operations. He commended the Executive Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, for his continued support and visionary leadership, noting that the reforms and achievements of the revenue agency would not have been possible without the enabling environment created by the administration. “With Governor Oyebanji’s full backing, we have been able to modernize our operations and adopt strategies that are yielding tangible results. Our focus now is to build on this momentum and drive further growth,” Olatona stated. Strategic Focus on Data and Digital Technology A key pillar of EKIRS’s revenue optimization strategy, Mr. Olatona said, is the strengthening of its Data Intelligence Department. The goal, he noted, is to develop a robust, verifiable, and integrated taxpayer database capable of identifying all taxable individuals and corporate entities within the state. By leveraging data analytics, the Service is enhancing its capacity to accurately profile taxpayers, determine appropriate tax liabilities, and reduce leakages in the revenue collection process. Taxpayer Education and Digital Payment Platforms In addition to data reforms, EKIRS is intensifying taxpayer education and public enlightenment campaigns to ensure that residents are well-informed about their tax obligations, the available payment channels, and the direct benefits of their compliance. To this end, Mr. Olatona highlighted the ongoing deployment of "Irorun De", a user-friendly digital platform that enables taxpayers to pay taxes conveniently from their homes or offices via USSD codes on mobile phones. This innovation eliminates the need for physical interaction with tax officials and simplifies the payment process for residents across all social classes. “We are making it easier for everyone—artisans, professionals, and business owners—to pay their taxes and understand why it matters. Convenience and transparency are key,” he added. Revenue House Project and Institutional Synergy Mr. Olatona also provided updates on the construction of the Ekiti State Revenue House, located in Ado-Ekiti. The project, which is making steady progress, is expected to be completed and commissioned in October 2025 as part of activities marking the third anniversary of Governor Oyebanji’s administration. According to the EKIRS Chairman, the Revenue House will serve as a centralized hub for all major revenue-generating agencies in the state, fostering improved coordination, accountability, and service delivery under one roof. Support for the Federal Tax Reform Bill Speaking on national developments, Mr. Olatona expressed optimism about the potential of the Tax Reform Bill recently passed by the National Assembly and awaiting the assent of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He described the Bill as a landmark legislative framework that is set to revolutionize tax administration across the country. He emphasized that the proposed law would grant tax reliefs and exemptions to micro and small enterprises, promote economic equity, and enhance the capacity of tax authorities to track and collect accurate taxes from large corporations. “The Tax Reform Bill will make Nigeria’s tax system more inclusive and efficient. In Ekiti, we are ready to align with the new national direction to ensure that our people and businesses benefit maximally,” he affirmed. Civic Responsibility and Compliance Culture While acknowledging the economic difficulties being faced by citizens, Mr. Olatona urged taxpayers to view tax compliance as a civic duty and a legal obligation. He warned that tax evasion constitutes an economic crime with serious consequences, including legal sanctions. “Without taxes, government cannot build infrastructure, provide quality healthcare, or fund education. We must all play our part in building the Ekiti State and Nigeria we desire,” he concluded. Conclusion With sustained reforms, strategic leadership, and citizen engagement, the Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service is setting a strong precedent for subnational revenue performance in Nigeria. The proactive approach of EKIRS, backed by enabling policies and emerging digital tools, is creating a resilient fiscal framework for sustainable development. Olatunji Abdulrazaq CNA, ACTI, ACIArb(UK) Founder/CEO, Taxmobile.Online