Ekiti Leads the Way, Becomes First State to Implement National Tax Administration Act

Ekiti State has made history as 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 alongside the state’s 2026 budget of N415.57 billion at a brief ceremony held at the Executive Council Chamber in Ado-Ekiti. The event was attended by Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye, Speaker of the House of Assembly Adeoye Aribasoye, Executive Secretary of the Joint Revenue Board Segun Adesokan, members of the legislature, the executive council, and other stakeholders.

Governor Oyebanji described the law as a bold step toward transparency, modern governance, and economic empowerment. “From today, Ekiti adopts a fully electronic system for payment, billing, and receipting. This will eliminate leakages and ensure all revenue flows directly into the state coffers,” he said.

He added that the new legislation repeals the Ekiti State Board of Internal Revenue Law, 2019, aligning the state with national tax reforms and the harmonised list of taxes and levies approved by the Joint Revenue Board. According to the governor, the law will institutionalise fairness, certainty, and accountability in subnational revenue administration while promoting ease of doing business.

The law also grants the Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service exclusive authority to collect taxes, allows for the accreditation of professional tax agents, and empowers the service with prosecutorial powers and administrative penalties. Governor Oyebanji acknowledged President Bola Tinubu for his “transformative leadership and support” for Ekiti State.

Speaking at the ceremony, Speaker Adeoye Aribasoye lauded Ekiti for taking the lead in domestication. “Ekiti’s action demonstrates commitment to professionalism and autonomy in revenue administration. I hope other states will follow suit,” he said.

Governor Oyebanji also signed the 2026 budget, dubbed the “Budget of Sustainable Governance”, prioritising the completion of ongoing projects, food security, wealth creation, and infrastructure development. The budget allocates 53 percent to recurrent expenditure and 47 percent to capital projects.