Ekiti Government Announces Monthly IGR Increase To ₦2.7bn Without Raising Taxes

The Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service (EKIRS) says the state's monthly Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) increased from about ₦2.1 billion in January to over ₦2.7 billion in May and June 2026, without introducing new taxes or increasing existing tax rates.

The Executive Chairman of EKIRS, Olaniran Olatona, disclosed this on Saturday while featuring on Ekiti Today, a live radio programme in Ado Ekiti.

According to him, the agency has also achieved 51 per cent of its 2026 annual revenue target within the first six months of the year.

Olatona attributed the increase to improved voluntary tax compliance, digital tax administration, public enlightenment campaigns, tax reforms, an empowered workforce, and the enabling environment created by the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

"The increase was achieved without enforcement measures such as roadblocks or the closure of defaulting business premises," he said.

He explained that EKIRS had focused on expanding the tax net, blocking revenue leakages, and deploying technology and data intelligence to improve tax administration.

The EKIRS chairman commended residents for their growing willingness to fulfil their tax obligations, saying improved compliance was driven by visible developmental projects being executed by the state government.

"Many taxpayers were encouraged to comply once they understood the purpose of taxation and were convinced that their contributions were being prudently utilised for the state's development," he said.

Olatona also warned residents processing Certificates of Occupancy and Tax Clearance Certificates to beware of fraudsters, stressing that anyone involved in tax-related scams would be arrested and prosecuted.

He explained that businesses are assessed based on their financial records and noted that taxpayers dissatisfied with an assessment have the legal right to file an objection within 30 days by writing to the agency's chairman for a review.

On tax compliance, he said EKIRS had intensified public awareness campaigns and was working with the Office of the Head of Service and the Office of the Secretary to the State Government to ensure civil servants and political office holders comply with statutory tax filing requirements.

He added that defaulters are liable to a ₦100,000 penalty for the first month of default and ₦50,000 for each subsequent month, in addition to their outstanding tax liabilities.

Addressing the temporary shortage of vehicle number plates, Olatona said EKIRS had partnered with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to tackle the challenge.

According to him, the state has received 1,000 additional number plates following engagements with FRSC authorities in Lagos, while security agencies have been advised to exercise understanding towards commercial motorcycle operators affected by the shortage as distribution continues.

He also dismissed claims that recent tax reforms had imposed additional burdens on residents, explaining that some taxes, including consumption tax, are no longer collected by the state under the current legal framework.

Olatona urged residents to familiarise themselves with existing tax laws to better understand the tax collection responsibilities of the federal, state and local governments.

He reaffirmed that the Oyebanji administration does not interfere in EKIRS operations and described reports alleging plans to introduce new taxes as false, adding that the agency would continue to prioritise technology-driven revenue administration, data intelligence and voluntary tax compliance to improve revenue generation while supporting economic growth in the state.