The Federal Government has urged the Ondo State Government to fully adopt and implement the newly introduced tax reform acts, as part of broader efforts to strengthen fiscal governance and eliminate illegal taxation practices.
The call followed the commencement of the new national tax policy on January 1, 2026, and was made by the Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Mr Taiwo Oyedele, during a public lecture in Akure on Monday. The lecture formed part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of Ondo State.
Oyedele said Ondo State must align its fiscal framework with federal reforms by enacting a State Tax Harmonisation Law to address nuisance taxes and unapproved levies, stressing that fiscal reform was no longer optional.
Charging the state government, he said, “Implement the new tax reform acts, enact the State Tax Harmonisation law to curb nuisance and illegal taxes. The state can even host the national Tax Ombud office for the South West region to lead in taxpayer rights and protection.
“Beyond implementing the new tax reform acts and the State Tax Harmonisation Law, Ondo State can introduce a Tax Accountability Report to be sent annually to every taxpayer and develop a holistic state tax and fiscal policy framework to guide spending, revenue mobilisation, and debt management.”
He further advised the state to deepen accountability and inclusive growth at the grassroots by encouraging economic planning at the local government level.
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According to him, Ondo State should facilitate the development of economic plans by each council and “establish a dedicated micro portal on the state’s website for all LGs to report their long-term economic plans, annual budgets, and audited financial statements for proper financial accountability.”
Also speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Energy, Mrs Olu Arowolo-Verheije, reaffirmed the President’s commitment to supporting Ondo State’s development agenda and unlocking its economic potential.
She highlighted several federal infrastructure projects within the state, saying, “Ondo hosts 71 kilometres of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway — a landmark project that will transform Nigeria’s Atlantic coastline. Other major federal projects include the Akure–Ore dual carriageway, the Akure–Ado Ekiti Road, and the Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital in Akure.
“The Ondo Deep Sea Port in Araromi is also gathering momentum. Just last month, Governor Aiyedatiwa received the port’s revalidated licence — a major milestone on the path to delivery. When completed, it will be West Africa’s deepest seaport, with a natural draught of about 18 metres.”
In his keynote address, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa reflected on Ondo State’s journey over the past five decades, noting that the state had recorded steady progress across key sectors despite existing challenges.
He expressed optimism about the future, stating, “Fifty years on, Ondo State stands transformed, not without challenges, but with remarkable progress and renewed confidence. Our economy is steadily transitioning from primary production to value addition and industrial processing. Flagship initiatives such as the Sunshine Free Trade Zone, the Golden Ceramics Industrial Plant, the Ethanol Plant in Ore, the Ondo Deep Sea Port, and others underscore our commitment to job creation, investor confidence, and industrial diversification.
“The future will be driven by economic diversification, technology and innovation, human capital development and strong institutions.”
The governor also said tourism was being deliberately repositioned as a major growth driver, alongside sustained investment in education and youth development.
“Tourism is also being deliberately repositioned as a growth driver through the development of our coastline, eco-tourism assets and rich cultural heritage, creating new opportunities for local enterprise and community participation. We continue to invest deliberately in education, skills acquisition and youth empowerment, fully recognising that human capital remains our most strategic asset.
“As we look ahead to the next fifty years, our vision is bold, inclusive and ethically anchored. We envision an Ondo State where economic prosperity is broad-based and sustainable; where education produces innovators, ethical leaders and problem-solvers; where infrastructure supports growth, inclusion and environmental stewardship; where governance remains responsive, transparent and accountable; and where social cohesion is strengthened by shared values and civic pride,” Aiyedatiwa stated.
