The Special Adviser to the Governor on Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun has commended the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) for their insightful and comprehensive 2025 half-year budget performance report by states.
The report, which places Ekiti State third in Nigeria with an impressive budget performance rate of 41.8%, is a testament to the commitment of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration to fiscal discipline, transparency, and efficient public financial management.
Olatunbosun noted that Ekiti State’s ranking reflects the government’s continuous efforts to improve budget execution, promote accountability, and ensure that resources are directed towards impactful development projects that enhance the welfare of Ekiti citizens.
He said, “We are proud to see Ekiti State recognized among the top-performing states in budget implementation. This achievement is the result of dedicated teamwork with exemplary leadership, prudent financial planning, and a clear focus on delivering tangible results to our people. We thank ICIR for their valuable report, which encourages all states to strive for better fiscal management and transparency.”
According to him, Ekiti has demonstrated notable fiscal performance and transparency, reflecting a commitment to responsible governance, adding that the State has consistently ranked first in Nigeria’s fiscal transparency assessments.
He recalled that “the latest States Fiscal Transparency League (SFTL) Q2 2025 report by BudgIT awarded Ekiti a perfect 100% score across all fiscal transparency benchmarks. This achievement underscores the state’s dedication to openness in budget approval, quarterly Budget Implementation Reports (BIR), audited financial statements, and data accessibility on official platforms. Notably, Ekiti has maintained this top position since Q1 2025, with previous first-place rankings in Q2 and Q3 of 2024”.
Olatunbosun added that “between 2017 and 2022, Ekiti State’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 8.02%, increasing from ₦1.36 trillion to ₦1.88 trillion. This growth is attributed to the administration’s efforts in creating a conducive business environment and prioritizing infrastructure development and agriculture, which are central to the state’s economy.”
On revenue generation, the Governor’s aide attributed the significant increase in the State internally generated revenue (IGR), which rose from ₦650 million to over ₦2.3 billion per month within three years to growth to public trust, a stable investment environment, and reforms that improved tax collection and compliance, particularly in personal income tax, adding that the state was ranked first in IGR growth by the Joint Tax Board for 2023, with a 75% increase from ₦17.03 billion to ₦29.82 billion in a single year.
He assured people of the State of Government’s unwavering commitment to the principles of good governance, transparency, and accountability, stressing that the Oyebanji administration remains dedicated to delivering effective, inclusive, and sustainable development that positively impacts the lives of every Ekiti resident with the implementation of policies and projects aimed at improving infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
“We recognize the trust placed in us by the people, and we pledge to uphold that trust through open communication, prudent management of resources, and responsive leadership. Our focus remains on fostering an environment where justice, equity, and prosperity thrive, ensuring that no one is left behind”, he asserted.
Last modified: October 23, 2025
