In an effort to revamp the tax landscape, stakeholders in Ekiti State gathered for a pivotal one-day tax dialogue, advocating for the establishment of a sustainable centralized revenue generation system. The New Initiative for Social Development (NISD), in collaboration with the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room and supported by the UK International Development, orchestrated the event, providing a platform for diverse representatives to address concerns and propose solutions.
Amidst the discussions, stakeholders voiced grievances over the cumbersome burden of multiple tax payments, each with varying nomenclatures, detrimentally affecting businesses across the state.
Attendees collectively called for heightened accountability and proposed the creation of a forum to transparently communicate total revenue collection within specific periods, instilling confidence in taxpayers about the impactful use of their contributions.
Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Tax and Revenue Matters, Mr. Ayodeji Adarabierin, affirmed the government’s commitment to resolving these concerns. He unveiled plans to introduce a harmonized tax bill system in the coming year, simplifying payment processes and aligning government policies with the nation’s economic realities.
Addressing the upcoming implementation of the land use charge, Mr. Adarabierin assured citizens of the reasonableness of charges, emphasizing their positive contribution to Ekiti state’s development.
Representing the Chairman of Ekiti State Internal Revenue, Mr. Oluwafemi Obisesan echoed government’s position, readiness to introduce harmonized bills to tackle the challenges posed by multiple taxation in Ekiti. He emphasized the agency’s commitment to sensitizing officials for more amicable interactions with the public.
Director General of Ekiti State Signage and Advertisement Agency, Mr. Bisi Adesua, highlighted the forthcoming implementation of a user-friendly tax revenue collection system, promoting efficiency through a single permit working statewide, promising a smoother experience for taxpayers in the upcoming year.
The dialogue saw the active participation of representatives from various sectors, including market women, artisans, traders, community leaders, and government officials, demonstrating a collective effort to reshape and enhance Ekiti’s tax collection system.
