Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday called on state governors across Nigeria to empower their Internal Revenue Services (IRS) with the autonomy and resources needed to boost Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and drive sustainable development.
Sanwo-Olu made the call at Lagos House, Marina, while receiving members of the Joint Revenue Board, who were in the state to declare open their 159th meeting.
The governor stressed that granting operational independence, adequate tools, and full tenure to heads of state revenue agencies would significantly enhance efficiency, boost taxpayer confidence, and ultimately improve revenue performance.
He said, “I will push my brother governors again for them to understand that it is only when they give you what you need to work with that you can get the full benefit of your expertise,” he said.
“They need to give you clear space, independence, and the full tenure to do your work. When these are in place, confidence will be enhanced, and people will do the right thing.”
Sanwo-Olu noted that Lagos remains committed to ongoing national tax reforms and is willing to collaborate with other states and the Board through data sharing, system alignment, and coordinated compliance efforts.
Highlighting Lagos’ performance, the governor disclosed that the state generated ₦1.3 trillion in IGR in 2024, representing a 45 per cent increase from the previous year, with over 60 per cent of the state’s budget now funded through internally generated revenues.
According to him, the achievement is the result of sustained investments in digital tax systems, expansion of the tax base, and deliberate efforts to build trust with taxpayers.
“We have made it work, not by chance, but through years of reforms and strategic investment. Lagos is ready to partner in this reform journey for the national interest,” he added.
Earlier, Chairman of the Joint Revenue Board, Zacch Adedeji, represented by the Board’s Executive Secretary, Olusegun Adesokan, described the theme of the meeting, “From Fragmentation to Coherence: Advancing Sub-National Tax Administration through Harmonisation,” as timely and critical.
Adedeji commended the Lagos State Government for its sustained support for effective revenue administration, noting that the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service remains Nigeria’s leading sub-national tax authority.
He traced the agency’s success to foundational reforms initiated under former governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which transformed Lagos’ IGR from less than ₦94 billion in 2007 to over ₦1.7 trillion annually.
“On a year-on-year basis, Lagos recorded over ₦1.7 trillion in IGR in 2025, representing a 39 per cent increase compared to ₦1.2 trillion generated in 2024,” he said, adding that the revenue growth has translated into tangible infrastructure and social investments.
He cited key projects including the Ojota-Opebi Link Bridge, the Abijo Mid-Level Agro Food Hub, the regeneration of Tolu Schools Complex in Ajegunle, and ongoing rail mass transit developments as evidence of prudent revenue utilisation.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, Ayodele Subair, underscored the critical role of the Joint Revenue Board in strengthening Nigeria’s tax system.
Subair commended Sanwo-Olu for his continued investment in the agency through improved infrastructure, enhanced funding, and staff welfare initiatives.
“Your leadership provides a clear model for strengthening revenue administration across states,” he said, assuring delegates of a productive meeting that would further advance Nigeria’s tax administration framework.
The 159th meeting of the Joint Revenue Board is expected to focus on harmonising tax administration processes across states to enhance efficiency, transparency, and revenue generation nationwide.
