Ondo ‘ll Continue to Enhance Tax Compliance Towards Revenue Generation, Says Aiyedatiwa

Fidelis David in Akure

Ondo State Governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, yesterday said the state would continue to enhance tax compliance towards revenue generation and economic development.

Aiyedatiwa, who stated this while declaring open a two-week induction programme for 165 newly recruited staff of the State Internal Revenue Service (ODIRS), said effective collection of taxes will play a pivotal role in funding public services, infrastructure development, and social welfare programmes of the state.

The governor, who emphasised the critical role of public servants in driving government policies and delivering democratic dividends to the citizens of the state stressed the significance of the new staff role in ensuring economic growth and development in the state through efficient tax collection and revenue generation.

According to him,  “With the induction of 165 new employees into the Public Service of Ondo State, we are taking a significant step towards building a strong and capable workforce. These individuals represent the best and brightest who will contribute fresh ideas and dedication to our mission of serving the people of Ondo State.”

The recruitment process, which saw 13,292 CVs submitted, culminated in rigorous evaluations, including a Computer Based Test (CBT) and an oral interview stage coordinated by Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC). Out of the 734 candidates, who reached the final stage, 165 emerged successful, earning congratulations from Governor Aiyedatiwa.

Aiyedatiwa, who also urged the inductees to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and responsibility in their work highlighted the importance of continuous learning and professional development in the field of taxation, encouraging the new employees to seize opportunities for training and skill enhancement.

He said: “Innovation and creativity will be key in our approach to revenue generation. As we embrace new technologies and methodologies, let us ensure fairness and equity in our tax policies.”

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of ODRIS, Dr. Tolu Adegbie, said the state revenue has grown systematically from annual average of the N10.0billion in 2017 to N40.0billion by 2023, a 300 percent revenue growth.

He outlined plans to deploy the new staff across ODRIS offices in the 18 local government areas of the state.

“Today marks a significant milestone not only in your individual careers but also in the journey of the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service to change the tax narratives of the state positively towards greater efficiency, transparency, and effectiveness in revenue generation. As we welcome you into our fold, we also reaffirm our commitment to upholding our vision to generate optimal revenue in an efficient and professional manner for the development of Ondo State.

“The work of the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service is integral to the socio-economic development of our state. Through the collection of taxes and other revenues, we contribute directly to the provision of essential services, infrastructure development, and the overall improvement of the quality of life for our citizens. Your role as members of this organization is therefore paramount, and I urge you to embrace it with a sense of purpose and dedication,” Adegbie added.