The Ekiti State Government has pledged to tackle the challenge of multiple taxation and simplify tax procedures for residents by integrating systems. This commitment aligns with the government’s intention to commence Land Use Charge collection in 2024.
Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, the State Governor, represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Tax and Revenue Matters, Mr. Ayodeji Adarabierin, affirmed that the property tax implementation would be gradual and not impose undue financial strain on the state’s citizens.
Adarabierin conveyed these assurances in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, during a dialogue between the State Government and Ekiti State Tax Governance Network, facilitated by the New Initiative for Social Development (NISD) and the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, with backing from the UK International Development.
“The Oyebanji administration has been judiciously utilizing taxpayers’ funds for road construction, infrastructural development, and other projects beneficial to the state’s people. We’ve engaged various informal sector groups to reduce conflicts between them and government authorities,” stated the SSA.
He briefed stakeholders on the forthcoming unified tax list set to encompass all taxpayer categories in 2024, clarifying that the Land Use Charge, although not novel, is segmented.
Feyisayo Olorunfemi, the NISD Programme Officer, revealed plans for a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between stakeholders and the government to enlist support for amplifying revenue generation aimed at community development assistance.
Stakeholders stressed the obligatory nature of taxes and their willingness to comply, urging the government to facilitate accessible tax collection methods benefiting both payers and collectors. Transparency in tax payments and accurate property assessments to determine tax rates were also highlighted to address communication gaps on payments.
Representatives from various sectors, such as market women, hoteliers, and sawmillers, urged the government to eradicate challenges like widespread multiple taxation.
Mr. Bisi Adesua, the DG of the Signage and Advertisement Agency, elucidated on the procedures and criteria governing signage rate payments and defining advertisements in the state.
Prof. Christopher Oluwadare emphasized the importance of ease in tax and rate collection, underscoring the necessity for justified tax payments and urging the government to ensure transparency and accountability.
The sawmillers sought government support and advocated for tree planting to enhance their businesses, boasting of over 300 sawmills in the state.
During the workshop, the Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service (IRS) reported that the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has exceeded N1 billion, with intentions to further refine the tax system in the forthcoming year.
Government representatives confirmed plans to convene with newly elected local government chairmen after their inauguration to avert tax duplication across the state.
