In a bid to enhance the state’s economy by increasing internally generated revenue, Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has unveiled plans to initiate the collection of land use charges within the state.
Governor Oyebanji revealed this during the 2023 Carols and Lessons service held at the Obafemi Awolowo Civic and Convention Centre, Ado Ekiti on Monday. He assured residents that the property tax would be structured progressively and not impose a heavy burden.
The Governor emphasized the need for cooperation and collaboration from all stakeholders in implementing the scheme, highlighting that the property tax would be progressive and depend on the type and value of an individual’s property.
“I just want to plead with Ekiti people that by next year, we are going to start with land use charges in Ekiti state, because, if the government must meet our obligations, we must raise money which I am sure will not bring any burden to anyone. We are going to do it in a way and manner that it is going to be progressive and we are starting in January. There is going to be a stakeholders’ meeting next week, where we are going to sit down with everybody in Ekiti state to explain this. If we do this, it is going to increase our IGR, and then we will be able to do more.
“Every time, I receive requests for transformer, for water, for road construction, for community days, all this money will come from somewhere. So, if there are areas, we have not explored, time has come to explore them, but one thing you can be sure of is that I will be accountable to you and God.
Speaking on wage awards and the welfare of workers, Governor Oyebanji commended the understanding and cooperation he had been enjoying from organized labour and assured that he would soon announce a sustainable wage award that his government would be able to afford.
“To the labour leaders, I don’t have enough words to thank you, thank you for dealing with all the pressure, but I think we are coming to a closure on wage award. And like I told you, I said I am not going to agree to something we will not be able to sustain, because I want your applause. I don’t want to announce what we cannot pay.
“We have come to a conclusion on what we can offer and we will communicate it to you, I plead with labour to accept it because if you push us further, we won’t be able to sustain it. If you push us further, pension will suffer, gratuity will suffer and deduction will suffer. So it is better we do this thing in a way and manner that everybody will be happy so that no section will feel neglected. But whatever we say we are going to do, with or without FAAC, we will pay you”.
