By Aishat Araoye, Osogbo
The Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has disclosed that the new tax law in the state is focused on expanding the tax net without creating more burden for the people.
This is as the Osun Internal Revenue Service(OIRS), hosted a 3-day stakeholder’s engagement on the implementation of the new tax law.
Speaking at the opening ceremony held at the Center for Black Arts&Culture in Osogbo on Tuesday, the Governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye revealed the new tax law is to promote fairness, expand tax net and strengthens Osun’s revenue.
According to him, “This retreat is timely and necessary as the New Tax Acts are not designed to place undue burden on citizens or businesses. Rather, they are intended to promote fairness, expand the tax net, improve compliance and strengthen Osun State’s revenue base through transparency, efficiency and digital innovation.”
“At the same time, we are mindful of the need to protect low-income earners. The law provides for reliefs, exemptions and reduced rates where applicable. Our goal is balance. We seek to grow revenue without harming livelihoods and to build compliance without eroding trust.”
Also at the event, the Special Advisor to the Governor on Tax & Revenue Affairs, Engr. Kamoru Ajisafe said the 3-day retreat is to guide those that implemented the law and ensure it’s effective domestication in the state.
He referred to those present at the first day of the retreat as the “engine room of the public”.
“If you look around those that are seated are the engine room of the public. I am talking about permanent secretary, assistant secretary, the chairmen of all parastatals, we are here just to make sure we domesticate the new tax.”
The acting chairman of the agency, Mr. Solanke Hamzat revealed that the 3-day event is a way of allowing the residents to fully understand the new tax law, to fully know their rights and what’s expected from them.
His words, “So by and large, this is for the people,masses and the osun indigenes to take this opportunity while they are doing their civil responsibility while paying their taxes, they can also be expanding their businesses without hindrance.”
He noted that the tax reform provides relief and exemptions for qualified individuals and businesses, especially low income earners and enterprises.
He further explained that the retreat is a three layer retreat with the first day starting with government officials, the second day with formal and organized sectors and the third day with artisans, trade men and women.
“The first one which we’re having right now is with the government personalities so the government people talking about the Internal Revenue Service, revenue generating agencies will know their rights,the implementation of the law in terms of the framework, what is allowed for them to do, their boundaries and rights, privileges and where their right stops.”
Also at the event, the Special Advisor to the Governor on Tax & Revenue Affairs, Engr. Kamoru Ajisafe said the 3-day retreat is to guide those that implemented the law and ensure it’s effective domestication in the state.
He referred to those present at the first day of the retreat as the “engine room of the public”.
“If you look around those that are seated are the engine room of the public. I am talking about permanent secretary, assistant secretary, the chairmen of all parastatals, we are here just to make sure we domesticate the new tax.”
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