Ekiti State has become the first in Nigeria to domesticate the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, marking an early test of how subnational governments may align with the country’s ongoing tax reforms.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji signed the Ekiti State Revenue Administration Law, 2025, on Tuesday, giving the state a legal framework to implement the federal tax law at the state level. The move positions Ekiti as a pacesetter among states expected to recalibrate their revenue systems in response to national fiscal reforms.
At the same ceremony in Ado-Ekiti, the governor also approved the state’s 2026 budget, valued at N415.57bn and tagged the “Budget of Sustainable Governance,” underscoring the administration’s focus on revenue mobilisation and fiscal stability amid tightening public finances.
The signing ceremony was attended by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye; Executive Secretary of the Joint Revenue Board, Mr Segun Adesokan; members of the State House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, and other key stakeholders.
Addressing attendees, Oyebanji described the newly signed revenue law as more than a fiscal instrument, saying it represents his administration’s commitment to transparency, modern governance, and economic empowerment.
He explained that by domesticating the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, Ekiti State has officially aligned its internal revenue framework with the four newly enacted national tax reform laws, positioning the state at the forefront of tax administration reform in the country.
Oyebanji announced that the law introduces a fully electronic billing, payment, and receipt issuing system across the state, a move he said would eliminate revenue leakages and ensure that payments are made directly into government accounts.
“From today, Ekiti adopts a strictly electronic payment, billing, and receipt system. This will eradicate leakages and ensure that all revenues go directly into the state’s coffers,” the governor said.
He added that the new law repeals the Ekiti State Board of Internal Revenue Law of 2019 (as amended) and brings the state into full conformity with national tax legislation. According to him, the legislation also adopts the harmonised list of taxes and levies approved by the Joint Revenue Board, with technical support from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.
Oyebanji noted that the law further reinforces Ekiti State’s commitment to the implementation of the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms, aimed at improving the investment climate and ease of doing business.
“Revenue administration and tax laws are evolving at both national and sub-national levels, and Ekiti must lead that change. This law institutionalises harmony, fairness, certainty, and accountability in revenue administration,” he said.
The governor stated that the legislation consolidates existing tax laws into a streamlined framework designed to ensure efficiency, transparency, and effective revenue collection, while also introducing measures to protect taxpayers and support economic growth.
According to Oyebanji, the law promotes zero tolerance for double taxation, safeguards citizens and businesses against extortion, empowers local governments, and strengthens revenue institutions across the state.
He added that the Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service is designated under the law as the sole agency responsible for revenue collection, while provisions are made for the accreditation of professional tax agents. The law also empowers the service to employ legal officers with prosecutorial authority and introduce administrative penalties to discourage tax default and reward voluntary compliance, in line with national tax reform acts.
Oyebanji expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for what he described as transformative leadership and strong support for Ekiti State, assuring residents that his administration would continue to pursue policies that promote shared prosperity and improved living standards.
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the Joint Revenue Board, Mr Segun Adesokan, commended Ekiti State for taking the lead in domesticating the Nigeria Tax Administration Act.
Adesokan recalled that the request for Ekiti to pioneer the domestication of the law was made during the Joint Revenue Board’s retreat held in Ikogosi-Ekiti in September, as well as during the commissioning of the Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service headquarters.
“Ekiti has gone beyond expectations. This is not just the signing of a state tax and levies law; this is the full domestication of the Nigeria Tax Administration Act. Ekiti is the first state to give life to this law,” he said.
He explained that the Nigeria Tax Administration Act was one of four tax reform laws signed by President Tinubu in June, noting that the Act provides a clear framework for the administration of taxes by relevant authorities.
Adesokan expressed optimism that other states that have commenced the domestication process would draw inspiration from Ekiti’s example and complete theirs.
Meanwhile, Oyebanji, while signing the 2026 budget of N415.57bn, said the spending plan would prioritise the completion of ongoing projects while placing strong emphasis on food security, wealth creation, and infrastructure development.
He noted that with 2026 marking the final year of his administration’s first term, the budget would enable the government to consolidate achievements recorded since assuming office on October 16, 2022.
A breakdown of the budget shows that 53 per cent has been allocated to recurrent expenditure, while 47 per cent is earmarked for capital projects.
