Ondo committed to South-West regional integration- Aiyedatiwa 

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

On Wednesday, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa inaugurated the South-West Regional Training on Tax Audit, Investigation, Compliance, and Enforcement, held in Akure.

In a statement, Aiyedatiwa’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, said the three-day training at the Revenue House of the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service in Akure included participants from the Internal Revenue Services of Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, and Lagos.

The training aims to enhance regional tax administration and ensure effective revenue collection, laying a strong foundation for future fiscal stability and growth in the South-West states.

Expressing his delight that Ondo State is hosting the crucial training, Governor Aiyedatiwa said it demonstrates the state government’s commitment to regional integration to drive development in the South-West.

Highlighting the significance of the training in enhancing tax systems and administration, the governor emphasized the need for states to adapt and strengthen their tax audit, investigation, compliance, and enforcement capabilities to maintain fiscal stability and support development initiatives.

“I am delighted to welcome you all to Akure, the capital city of the Sunshine State, for this important training program. Ondo State is honoured to host the South-West Regional Training on Tax Audit, Investigation, Compliance, and Enforcement at this iconic Revenue House of the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service.

“Taxation is the lifeblood of any government, enabling us to fulfil our mandate of providing essential services and infrastructure for the welfare and development of our people. This training comes at a pivotal time when the global economic landscape is evolving rapidly.

“In our internally generated revenue, we have achieved what seemed to be impossible despite all challenges. With sheer determination and focus, we set a record and created a story—a story that will resonate across generations for years to come,” he said.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to effective tax governance and economic growth, encouraging participants to engage in robust discussions and share best practices.

“Together, we will strive to achieve our revenue targets while fostering economic growth and prosperity for all residents of the southwest region,” he added, urging the participants to enjoy the hospitality and pleasant ambience of Akure, the Ondo State capital.

The Chairman of the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service (ODIRS), Tolu Adegbie, expressed gratitude to the governor for attending the opening ceremony, noting that the governor’s presence underscores his commitment to enhancing revenue generation.

Adegbie emphasized the training’s focus on tax audit, investigation, compliance, and enforcement, and appreciated the Aiyedatiwa’s dedication to promoting sustainable development across the South-West states of Nigeria.

Additionally, the Executive Secretary of the Joint Tax Board (JTB), Olusegun Adesokan, reiterated the JTB’s mandate to enforce tax compliance in Nigeria. He praised the team’s efforts in positively shaping the tax landscape across the country.

Adesokan explained that the training aims to enhance participants’ tax knowledge and equip them with skills for effective revenue generation. He encouraged the trainees to collaborate during the sessions to maximize their learning experience.