The Chairman of the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service (ODIRS), Mr Adebayo Rojugbokan, has called on Nigerians to support the tax reforms introduced by the administration of President Bola Tinubu, describing the policy as beneficial to the country’s economic development.
Rojugbokan urged Nigerians not to entertain fears about the reform, which is scheduled to take effect in 2026, noting that it is aimed at modernising the nation’s taxation system and promoting transparency and accountability.
He spoke on Sunday in Akure, the Ondo State capital, at an end-of-year get-together organised by the Akure Bankers’ Committee, where he delivered a keynote address titled ‘Taxation, Innovation and Inclusion: Redefining Nigeria’s Financial Ecosystem’.
According to him, the tax reform would reduce the number of taxes paid by individuals and businesses, contrary to public concerns. He described taxation as a civic responsibility necessary for national and state development.
“Tax reform is just a way of modernising our taxation. It is a right of the people, and it can mean that individuals will reduce the number of taxes in Nigeria in 2026. Since we are doing it correctly, we shouldn’t be afraid of anything. Nothing new is coming; it is about ensuring transparency and accountability in the process,” he said.
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Rojugbokan also urged taxpayers, banks and regulators to embrace clarity, compliance and innovation, stressing that a properly managed tax system could drive sustainable national development.
His comments followed earlier assurances by President Tinubu, who had urged Nigerians not to be apprehensive about the new tax regime, stating that it would bring relief to the poor, low-income earners and small businesses. The President had also said that the economic reforms implemented by his administration were necessary to revitalise the economy, adding that early indicators were positive.
Speaking on Ondo State’s revenue drive, the ODIRS chairman said the agency was intensifying efforts to meet its internally generated revenue targets through sustained public enlightenment. He said the service was deploying radio programmes, social media platforms and direct engagements to educate citizens on the importance of taxation.
In his welcome remarks, the Chairman of the Akure Bankers’ Committee and Akure Branch Controller of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Aina Olumide, commended the Ondo State Government for creating an enabling environment for banking operations. He also praised security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the safety of financial institutions in the state.