Gov Aiyedatiwa forwards new tax bill to Ondo Assembly, declares Friday work-free

Ondo State Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has sent a new tax bill to the Ondo State House of Assembly for consideration.

The move came less than 24 hours before the federal government begins the implementation of its new tax law, scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026.

The state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Olukayode Ajulo (SAN), made this known after the State Executive Council meeting held on Tuesday.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Ebenezer Adeniyan, on Wednesday. According to the statement, the meeting was presided over by the governor.

Ajulo said the state government had given approval for a new tax bill to be submitted to the Assembly to undergo legislative reviews and debate for onward passage.

According to him, the development is aligned with the state’s commitment to harmonise its fiscal policies with the upcoming new federation tax law, which is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

He explained, ” 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.

“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.

“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.”

The AG, as the bill would be transmitted to the Assembly, urged the public to participate in the process and remain open to constructive feedback from stakeholders.

Also speaking after the meeting, the state Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip, disclosed that the state government had declared Friday, January 2, 2026, a work-free day for the state civil servants

He said the holiday was designed to give workers adequate time to return from the New Year holiday. The federal government had earlier declared January 1 as a public holiday.

Philip described the decision as a relief for workers and urged public servants and members of the public to take note of the revised resumption date, noting that the new resumption day (Monday, January 5) would feature the state’s customary first workday prayer meeting at the Governor’s Office complex.

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