Ekiti state governor, Biodun Oyebanji on Monday began the construction of a new office for the state Internal Revenue Service (EKIRS).
Speaking at the sod-turning ceremony in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, Oyebanji explained that the approval of the state executive council for the construction of the N1.7 billion revenue building was aimed at giving the personnel a more conducive environment to operate.
While commending the chairman of the EKIRS, Olaniran Olatona for his dexterity and commitment in transforming the state’s revenue generation from N600 million to over N1.5 billion monthly, Oyebanji noted that his administration would continue its support to the service for optimum performance.
He stated that he would support the project to be completed in twelve months instead of the 18 months given by the contractor, saying that the government would ensure adequate funds are made available for the construction.
According to him, ” If the contractors assured us that there won’t be structural issues, I will be willing to come back here this time next year to commission this project.
“I can’t wait for the team to move in here because they have done well for the state and they deserved the best.
“I commend team EKIRS under the leadership of the chairman, Olaniran Olatona for doing us well. Thank you for being a good man and for your commitment to Ekiti state.
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“You have demonstrated commitment, dedication and capacity and there is nothing you need that more of our support for you to surpass the current threshold.”
Oyebanji who lamented the reported insincerity of some government revenue generating agencies and departments, noted that his administration would be more firm and deliberate in 2025 towards blocking all leakages in government.
“I want us to block all leakages in the new Year. We will be deliberate and come hard on MDAs that sabotage the people of Ekiti in doing manual collection of revenue,” the governor said.
Speaking, the chairman of Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service (EKIRS) Olaniran Olatona commended governor Oyebanji for the support to the service and approving the construction of a modern revenue house in the state.
Olatona explained that building a new revenue house became imperative in growing the finances and ensuring the economic development of the state, saying, ” outdated infrastructure cannot support the revenue growth that modern tax practices demand.”
He said, ” To position Ekiti as a hub for investment and ensure we meet the benchmarks of the Ease of Doing Business, it is imperative to have a state-of-the-art, efficient and conducive work environment.
“This Revenue house will enable us to qualify for more collaborations with the JTB and other bodies and also reduces stress for taxpayers who would not have to be tossed between Oke-Ori omi and mutual building; it shall provide them with seamless access to our services and information.
“In alignment with the governor’s vision of shared prosperity, I am particularly proud to highlight that all professionals (architects, engineers, builders etc) involved in this project are from Ekiti state and coincidentally, all our three senatorial districts are well represented.”
The project manager from Ricabim Nigeria Limited, Olajide Dada assured the governor and the stakeholders that the project would be delivered with specification in record time.
NIGERIAN TRIBUNE