The Governor of Ondo State, one of the thirty six states in southwestern Nigeria, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has submitted a new tax reform bill to the Ondo State House of Assembly for legislative consideration and possible passage.
The development comes less than twenty four hours before the Federal Government of Nigeria begins implementation of a new nationwide tax regime scheduled to take effect on Thursday, January 1, 2026, under the Nigeria Tax Act 2025.
Okay News reports that the decision followed deliberations at the Ondo State Executive Council meeting held on Tuesday and presided over by Governor Aiyedatiwa at the Government House in Akure, the capital city of Ondo State, Nigeria.
The Ondo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, disclosed the development while briefing journalists after the meeting. The information was later confirmed in a statement released on Wednesday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Ebenezer Adeniyan.
According to Dr. Ajulo, the State Executive Council approved the forwarding of the proposed tax bill to the Ondo State House of Assembly, the legislative arm of government responsible for making laws at the state level, where it will undergo detailed legislative scrutiny and debate.
He explained that the move was part of deliberate efforts by the Ondo State Government to harmonise its internal tax system with the new federal tax reforms being introduced across Nigeria.
“The new bill is designed to ensure that Ondo State’s tax framework operates in tandem with national standards under the Nigeria Tax Act 2025 and related reforms, promoting efficiency, transparency, and sustainable revenue generation for the benefit of all residents,” Ajulo said.
He added, “By adopting these measures, the state aims to foster economic growth, improve public services, and create a more equitable tax environment that supports businesses and individuals alike, including relief for low income earners and small businesses.”
According to the Attorney General, the approval of the bill reflects Ondo State’s intention to take an early and proactive position within Nigeria’s evolving fiscal environment.
“This approval marks a proactive step towards integrating Ondo State into the evolving national tax landscape. It will enable us to better serve our people while contributing to Nigeria’s broader economic objectives,” he stated.
Dr. Ajulo further urged residents, civil society groups, and other stakeholders to actively participate in the legislative process by offering constructive feedback as the bill is debated at the Assembly.
In a related development, the Head of Service of Ondo State, Mr. Bayo Philip, announced that the state government has declared Friday, January 2, 2026, a work free day for civil servants across the state.
Mr. Philip explained that the decision was taken to allow workers additional time to return from the New Year holiday, noting that the Federal Government of Nigeria had already declared Thursday, January 1, 2026, a national public holiday.
He described the move as a relief measure for public servants and advised all government workers and members of the public to take note of the revised resumption schedule.
According to him, official duties will resume on Monday, January 5, 2026, and the day will commence with the state’s traditional first workday prayer meeting at the Governor’s Office Complex in Akure.
