Enhancing Digital Proficiency in Ondo State’s Tax Administration
The Ondo State Internal Revenue Service (ODIRS) has successfully concluded a three-day refresher training programme aimed at enhancing staff proficiency in the use of the I-Ondo Government Services Platform. This digital portal serves as the state’s central hub for tax-related payments and services, designed to streamline processes and improve efficiency.
The training, conducted from April 15 to 17, was facilitated by BBA Consult and focused on updating the knowledge and practical skills of officers who interact directly with taxpayers. The initiative is part of broader efforts to deepen digital competence within the agency and deliver faster, more transparent services to residents of Ondo State.
Introduction of the I-Ondo Platform
Launched in April 2025, the I-Ondo platform (accessible at iondo.ondostate.gov.ng) replaced the earlier ORAS (AMANDA) system. It has since become the primary gateway for individuals and businesses to handle tax profiling, generate payment advice, and remit taxes through integrated channels such as Paystack, Paydirect, and eTransact. The platform was introduced to simplify compliance, reduce physical contact, eliminate long queues, and improve overall revenue collection efficiency in line with Nigeria’s broader tax reform agenda.
Targeted Training for Operational Units
Participants in the refresher course were drawn from critical operational units, including the Contact Centre, Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE), Withholding Tax, and Personal Income Tax/Direct Assessment departments. The sessions emphasized hands-on mastery of the platform’s features, troubleshooting common taxpayer issues, and best practices for efficient service delivery.
Key management staff in attendance included Mr Stephen Eniafe, Hajia Jemilat Yusuf, and Mr Adebote Mustakeem. The programme was facilitated by Dr Alfred Olukola and Mr Akorede Idowu, of BBA Consult.
Objectives and Outcomes of the Training
In a statement, ODIRS management highlighted that the training was designed “to strengthen operational efficiency, enhance user competence, and ensure optimal service delivery across all tax administration units.” Officials noted that a well-trained workforce is essential for maximizing the benefits of the digital platform and building taxpayer confidence in the system.
The initiative aligns with the state government’s commitment to leveraging technology for better governance. Since its rollout, the I-Ondo platform has enabled taxpayers to handle transactions from the comfort of their homes or offices, with improved features such as automated payment advice and receipt verification.
Encouraging Compliance Through Flexibility
Recent extensions granted for individual annual tax returns filing (from March 31 to April 30, 2026) have further encouraged citizens to utilise the portal for accurate and penalty-free compliance. This flexibility has helped increase participation and reduce the burden on taxpayers.
Executive Chairman of ODIRS, Mr. Bayo Rojugbokan, has consistently emphasized the agency’s drive to simplify tax processes. In earlier remarks on the platform, he highlighted its role in promoting transparency and increasing internally generated revenue without imposing undue burdens on citizens.
Alignment with National Tax Reforms
The training comes amid Nigeria’s ongoing tax reforms, coordinated by the Joint Revenue Board (JRB), which seeks to harmonise revenue administration, reduce multiple taxation, and promote digital efficiency across states. ODIRS’s focus on capacity building reflects a growing recognition that technology alone is not enough — human capital must keep pace with digital tools.
Stakeholder Reactions and Future Outlook
Stakeholders have welcomed the move. Tax consultants and business groups in the state say a competent frontline staff will reduce errors, speed up response times at the contact centre, and minimize complaints from taxpayers navigating the new system.
As Nigeria pushes towards a more transparent and technology-driven revenue regime in 2026, Ondo State’s investment in staff training on the I-Ondo platform signals a deliberate step towards modernizing tax administration. Officials say similar capacity-building exercises will continue to ensure the platform delivers its full potential in revenue generation and service excellence.
