The Chairman of the Ekiti State Board of Internal Revenue, Mr. Olaniran Olatona, has solicited the collaboration of the Ekiti State Judiciary in the area of revenue generation.
Mr. Olatona made the request during an advocacy visit to the Ekiti State Acting Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Lekan Ogunmoye, in his office. He congratulated Justice Ogunmoye on his recent elevation and wished him a successful tenure.
The Revenue Board Chairman explained that the visit was aimed at exploring areas of collaboration between the Board and the Judiciary in generating revenue for the state. He noted that the Board’s efforts to improve revenue generation would be more effective with the support of the Judiciary.
Mr. Olatona requested the establishment of a designated revenue court to handle tax evasion cases involving big businesses. He argued that the current practice of locking up shops was no longer in line with international best practices.
He also proposed that tax clearance should be a prerequisite for granting bail, adding that this would help to ensure that individuals and businesses comply with their tax obligations.
The Board’s legal adviser, Mr. Adekunle Olanipekun, announced plans to amend the revenue law to allow for the appointment of a designated Magistrate to handle cases within their monetary jurisdiction. This, he explained, would help to reduce the workload of the High Court.
In his response, Justice Ogunmoye appreciated the visit and acknowledged that the issues raised required careful consideration. He announced the formation of a committee to explore areas of collaboration between the Judiciary and the Board on revenue generation.
The committee, which will include the Board’s legal adviser, will examine the proposals made by the Revenue Board and make recommendations on areas where the Judiciary could partner with the board on revenue generation could be achieved.
The visit was attended by the Ekiti State Judiciary Chief Registrar, Mrs. Olanike Adegoke, and other senior officials of the Judiciary and the Revenue Board.
