By Precious Owolabi, Ado-Ekiti
The Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service (EKIRS) has reaffirmed its commitment to generating revenue for the state strictly in line with existing tax laws and regulations.
The Executive Chairman of EKIRS, Mr. Olaniran Olatona, made this known while responding to members of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), Ekiti State Chapter, who visited the Service to explore possible areas of collaboration aimed at boosting the state’s revenue base.
Speaking during the meeting held at the Revenue House in Ado-Ekiti, Olatona stressed that the Service cannot collect money from any individual or group without clear legal backing as stipulated in the relevant tax laws.
He explained that all revenue collection must be guided by the provisions of the newly enacted tax regulations and the Ekiti State Revenue Administration Law, 2025.
Olatona also noted that it would be too early to consider any amendment to the Ekiti State Revenue Administration Law, 2025, which was recently signed into law by Governor Biodun Oyebanji on December 23.
According to him, the proposal presented by the Nigerian Institute of Building would require collaboration among relevant agencies, particularly regulatory bodies within the construction sector in the state.
The EKIRS chairman, however, assured the delegation that the Service would carefully review their proposals to identify areas that relate to revenue generation and take necessary steps afterwards.
Earlier, the Ekiti State Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Building, Builder Mayowa Adeniyi, presented documents to the EKIRS leadership outlining proposals for potential revenue sources within the built environment.
Adeniyi commended Olatona for providing guidance on how the proposals could be properly channelled through appropriate regulatory institutions.
He also praised the EKIRS chairman for his leadership and innovative approach to improving the state’s revenue profile, describing him as a goal-driven achiever.
Adeniyi further noted that the institute would continue to seek stronger collaboration with EKIRS to promote professionalism, encourage compliance and support economic growth in Ekiti State.
Senior officials of EKIRS present at the meeting included the Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Wasiu Mohammed; Director, Data Intelligence, Audit and Analytics, Mrs. Yemisi Akin-Babalola; Director, Personal Income Tax, Mr. Joseph Olorunfemi; Director, New Growth Areas, Mrs. Sade Daramola; Head of PAYE, Mr. Emmanuel Akinleye; Head of Direct Assessment, Mr. Olusegun Ogunsanya; and Head of the Legal Department, Mr. Ayodeji Olaifa.