Ondo Govt submits new tax bills, declares Friday holiday

The Ondo State Government has forwarded a new tax bill to the State House of Assembly for consideration, barely 24 hours before the Federal Government begins the implementation of its new tax regime on January 1, 2026.

The state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, disclosed this after the State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting held yesterday. The meeting was presided over by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

In a statement issued today by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Ebenezer Adeniyan, Ajulo said the EXCO approved the submission of the new tax bill to the House of Assembly for legislative review, debate and passage.

According to him, the move aligns with Ondo State’s commitment to harmonising its fiscal policies with the new federation tax law scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026.

“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,” Ajulo said. “It will promote efficiency, transparency and sustainable revenue generation for the benefit of all residents.”

He added that the bill would also support economic growth, improve public service delivery and create a more equitable tax environment, with relief measures for low-income earners and small businesses.

Describing the development as a proactive step, the Attorney General said the initiative would help integrate Ondo State into the evolving national tax landscape while contributing to Nigeria’s broader economic objectives.

He also urged members of the public to engage with the legislative process and provide constructive feedback as the bill undergoes consideration at the Assembly.

Meanwhile, the Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip, announced that the state government has declared Friday, January 2, 2026, a work-free day for civil servants in the state.

Philip explained that the decision was taken to allow workers sufficient time to return from the New Year holiday, noting that the Federal Government had already declared January 1 a public holiday.

He described the gesture as a relief for workers and announced that official work would resume on Monday, January 5, 2026, with the state’s customary first workday prayer meeting at the Governor’s Office complex.