Ekiti State has emerged as the first subnational government in Nigeria to domesticate the Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA), marking a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing effort to modernise tax administration, improve revenue efficiency, and harmonise fiscal governance across federal and state levels.
The development was formalised on Wednesday when Governor Biodun Oyebanji signed the Ekiti State Revenue Administration Law, 2025 into law. The signing took place at the Executive Council Chamber in Ado-Ekiti and represents Ekiti’s deliberate alignment with the federal government’s broader tax and revenue reforms, designed to simplify tax administration, reduce duplication, and strengthen compliance.
The Nigeria Tax Administration Act, passed at the national level, provides a unified legal framework for tax administration in Nigeria. Its domestication by states is considered critical for achieving consistency in tax processes, improving taxpayer confidence, and enhancing coordination between federal and subnational revenue authorities. By taking this step early, Ekiti positions itself at the forefront of fiscal reform implementation among Nigeria’s 36 states.
According to official statements from the Ekiti State Government, the newly enacted Revenue Administration Law is expected to strengthen internally generated revenue (IGR), improve transparency, and provide clearer rules for tax assessment, collection, and enforcement within the state.
It also signals Ekiti’s readiness to operate within a modern, technology-driven tax environment that supports economic growth while reducing administrative bottlenecks for businesses and individuals.
The signing ceremony also featured another major fiscal milestone for the state. Governor Oyebanji assented to the Ekiti State 2026 Budget, tagged the “Budget of Sustainable Governance,” with a total outlay of ₦415.572 billion. The budget underscores the administration’s focus on fiscal sustainability, prudent public finance management, and long-term development planning.
Government officials have indicated that the domestication of the NTAA complements the objectives of the 2026 budget by providing a stronger legal and institutional foundation for revenue mobilisation.
This alignment is expected to enhance the state’s capacity to fund critical sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, and social services without over-reliance on federal allocations.
Ekiti’s move has been widely viewed within policy circles as a signal of growing subnational commitment to Nigeria’s tax reforms. As states continue to face fiscal pressures and rising development needs, the adoption of a harmonised and transparent tax administration framework is increasingly seen as essential for sustainable governance.
By taking the lead, Ekiti State has set an important precedent for other states, reinforcing the role of subnational governments in driving Nigeria’s fiscal reform agenda and strengthening public finance systems across the federation.
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