The Executive Chairman, Ogun State Internal Revenue Service (OGIRS), Mr. Olugbenga Olaleye, has charged Directors, Zonal Controllers, Tax Office Managers and Heads of Units to ensure total compliance with data integrity and cyber security policies in tax administration in order to prevent data breaches, financial losses and public mistrust.

Olaleye gave the charge during the OGIRS 2025 Q1–Q3 Performance Review, at Oba’s Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, saying tax administration is evolving and the era of using roadblocks as enforcement measures is over, noting that there was need for a more strategic and technology-driven approach for enforcement, urging tax professionals to enhance the efficiency of digital processes and ensure that all staff are conversant with the agency’s cyber security policies.

The OGIRS Chairman further stated that taxpayers must be adequately sensitised on the new tax reforms, revealing the importance of collaboration, innovation and regular brainstorming sessions for improved performance.

 Olaleye, hinted that the agency would continue to strengthen its synergy with other tax authorities to achieve better outcomes in the coming year, applauded the overall performance of the service in 2025, appealing to tax officials to sustain their efforts and strive for even greater results.

He also disclosed that the Joint Tax Board (JTB) had now been renamed the Joint Revenue Board (JRB), following the assent of the new law by President Ahmed Tinubu.

According to him, “The JRB has now been empowered by law (JRB Act 2025) to perform specific roles in tax administration across the country.  New reforms would come into effect from January next year and we must be fully prepared by ensuring that data integrity and cyber security policies are fully complied with."

"This review session provides an opportunity to set things right, identify areas for improvement and realign our focus. If well implemented, the new tax laws will enable both the state and the nation to achieve improved revenue generation.” he submitted.

In his remarks, the Coordinating Director, Mr. Taiwo Ogundimu, commended participants for their dedication and support toward the success of the programme., explaining that the session was designed to enlighten tax personnel on the forthcoming reforms, appealing to them to intensify efforts toward meeting the 2025 revenue targets while laying a strong foundation for 2026., emphasising the importance of teamwork, commitment and leadership in achieving excellence across all operational units.

Delivering a presentation on “New Tax Reforms,” a Senior Manager at Deloitte, Mr. Christopher Olayemi, explained that the reforms aimed to harmonise and simplify tax laws for better understanding by taxpayers, encouraging tax authorities to adopt digital tools for effective database management, stressing the need for continuous staff training, improved communication materials and extensive sensitisation campaigns, noting that technology and public awareness remained crucial to sustainable revenue generation.

Also speaking, a health expert, Mrs. Stella Olaleye, delivered a lecture on “Lifestyle and Long-term Health", pointed out that individual lifestyle choices largely determine life expectancy, urging participants to prioritise regular medical checkups, physical exercise, proper sleep, hydration and balanced diets while avoiding excessive stress, exposure to radiation, and other harmful habits.

In her contribution, the Director, Field Operations, Mrs. Oluwaseun Olajube, noted that about 85 percent of taxpayers belong to the informal sector, which formed the backbone of the State’s revenue base, saying tax information should be presented in simple and relatable formats to enable market women and other informal sector operators to understand their tax obligations.