Ekiti State has achieved the highest improvement in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) among the 36 states and Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, Ekiti News reports.
Ekiti News reports that the state’s IGR increased by 75%, rising from N17.03 billion in 2020 to N29.82 billion in 2023.
In a revenue report released by the Joint Tax Board (JTB) at its 155th meeting held at Zuma Rock Resort, Suleja, Niger State, Ekiti State was ranked first in the 2023 Annual Growth Rate Ranking.
The State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, while speaking to the development in a statement in Ado Ekiti, described the remarkable improvement as the effect of Governor Biodun Oyebanji administration’s proactive measures and policies which have created a conducive environment for both local and foreign investment and bolstered trust of taxpayers leading to improved voluntary compliance.
The Commissioner recalled that the data recently released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicated that only Ekiti, Lagos and FCT attracted Foreign Investment and contributed to the country’s capital importation in the first quarter of 2024, adding that the State was also prominent among the 10 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) that achieved the same feat last year.
Rt. Hon. Olatunbosun emphasized that the administration is firmly committed to promoting economic stability and rapidly developing the state.
He solicited the continued support of all stakeholders and assured that Governor Oyebanji’s policy of inclusive governance would continue to encourage the participation of all stakeholders in achieving these goals.
Rt. Hon. Olatunbosun also commended the tenacity of the leadership and officials of the State Internal Revenue Service (EKIRS) for their outstanding service.
The Commissioner noted that it is remarkable how they remain humane yet firm in their duties, leading to significant improvements in the state’s reporting and innovative collections.