Aiyedatiwa approves Ondo tax bill ahead of 2026 national reforms

By Boye Oyeyemi –

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has approved a new tax bill for onward transmission to the State House of Assembly ahead of the January 1, 2026 rollout of national tax reforms.

The approval was granted at the State Executive Council meeting held on Tuesday and presided over by the governor.

Briefing journalists, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo (SAN), said the bill was aimed at aligning the state’s tax system with the Nigeria Tax Act 2025 and other federal fiscal reforms.

Ajulo explained that the proposed law would promote efficiency, transparency and sustainable revenue generation, while offering relief to low-income earners and small businesses.

He added that the bill would now be subjected to legislative scrutiny at the House of Assembly, with the government welcoming input from stakeholders.

At the same meeting, the council approved the appointment of Owei Kekemeke as the pioneer Amananawei of Agadagda-Obon in Ese Odo Local Government Area.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Amidu Takuro, also confirmed approval for warrant chiefs towards the installation of a new Alade Okun of Alade in Idanre Local Government Area.

Meanwhile, the state government announced January 5, 2026, as the resumption date for civil servants, with the Head of Service, Bayo Philip, saying the day would also feature the customary first workday prayer at the Governor’s Office Complex.