EKIRS Achieves N2.2 Billion IGR Milestone.

EKIRS Achieves N2.2 Billion IGR Milestone.

....IRS Boss Praises Team Spirit at Staff Retreat.

The Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service (EKIRS) achieved a historic milestone in December 2024 by collecting N2.2 billion in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for the first time. This landmark achievement was announced by the Executive Chairman, Mr Olaniran Olatona, during a staff retreat held on 11 January 2025 at Lady Jibowu Hall, Ado-Ekiti. He commended the dedication and hard work of Team EKIRS and encouraged sustained efforts to surpass this record in future.

Mr Olatona also expressed his gratitude to Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his unwavering support and impactful developmental projects, which have encouraged citizens to pay their taxes willingly, assured that the funds are being put to good use. He further emphasised that while conflict within teams is inevitable, effective management of such conflicts is essential to achieving organisational goals.

The staff retreat, combined with a capacity-building session, began with prayers led by Pastor Felix Ale, Head of the Business Assurance Group (BAG). Mr Fatai Badmus, Director of Finance and Corporate Services, warmly welcomed staff and guests to the programme. The training sessions were engaging and interactive, featuring an impressive lineup of facilitators, including:

Pastor Joseph Olorunfemi, Director of Personal Income Tax, Mr Ibukun Ajayi, Director of Tax Audit and Compliance, Mr Tayo Omodara, Head of Other Taxes.

Other speakers included Mr Abubakar Abdulsalam (Direct Assessment), Mr Ayodeji Olaifa (Head of Enforcement), Mrs Oluwatosin Osesusi (Head of Human Resources), and Mrs Oluwasade Daramola (Director of New Growth and Other Taxes).

A distinguished guest, Mr Laoye Jaiyeola, former CEO of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group and Chancellor of Hillside University of Science and Technology, shared professional insights and valuable advice with staff on improving both corporate and personal integrity to achieve greater performance.

One of the event's highlights was the syndicate presentations by staff, divided into five groups, each tasked with researching and presenting on topics critical to EKIRS's success:

Harnessing Technology for Efficient and Effective Tax Administration Enhancing Voluntary Tax Compliance in Ekiti State

Tax Sensitisation and Awareness: A Must for All EKIRS Staff Tax Reforms and Their Likely Impact on EKIRS Performance Fostering Relationships Between MDAs to Boost IGR Growth.

The panel of judges included notable dignitaries such as:

Dr John Moyo Ekundayo, Special Assistant/Director General, Office of Transformation and Service Delivery (OTSD), Mrs Lolade Oke-Olutola, Special Assistant, Ekiti Development and Investment Promotion Council (EKDIPA), Mr Isaac Abulola, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Mr James Folorunso, Director General, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Barrister Olusola Akinluyi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.

Other esteemed judges included Mrs Olusola Igotun (Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health), Mr Adebisi Adesua (Director General, Signage and Advertisement Agency), Mr Edward Olatunji (SSA, Investment), and Mr Olasunkanmi Onipede (Director General, Waste Management Authority).

While Group A emerged as the winner, all participating groups were handsomely rewarded for their efforts. The judges commended the teams' research and presentations, providing constructive feedback for future improvements.

The retreat concluded on a high note, with prayers and a renewed commitment to fostering IGR growth for the sustainable development of Ekiti State.