Sanwo-Olu: Lagos improving infrastructure, welfare with enhanced IGR
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has lauded the tax reform, saying it represent a shift and structural overhaul Nigeria needs in its fiscal space. Sanwo-Olu spoke at the opening of
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has lauded the tax reform, saying it represent a shift and structural overhaul Nigeria needs in its fiscal space.
Sanwo-Olu spoke at the opening of the 159th Meeting of the Joint Revenue Board (JRB) in Lagos State.
He said replacement of the old JTB with JRB and expansion of the board’s mandate to include harmonisation of revenue administration in all tiers of governments, resolution of disputes on revenue administration at inter-governmental level, and creation of Office of the Tax Ombud to promote taxpayers’ rights, are laudable structural shifts.
According to the governor, “replacement of the old JTB with JRB is the kind of structural overhaul Nigeria needs to harmonise revenue administration in all tiers of government, resolve disputes relating to revenue administration at inter-government level and giving taxpayers credible Ombud, represent a genuine shift in Nigeria’s fiscal ecosystem”.
“These are no small achievements and I laud the leadership of President Bola Tinubu and National Assembly for the tax reforms. I also laud JRB for its energy and conviction in bringing these reforms to life”.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who declared the meeting open, said Lagos State is a partner in the reform journey and will support collaborations in the revenue ecosystem designed to serve the people.
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He noted that the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has improved in his administration, adding IGR funds about 60 per cent of the state’s capital expenditure.
The governor attributed growth in IGR to the autonomy of LIRS, investment in technology infrastructure, expansion of the tax net and building trust in taxpayers through compact service delivery to the public.
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Sanwo-Olu, who identified himself as an Ambassador of JRB to the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, said he will continue to advocate autonomy for subnational revenue authorities, emphasising that operational independence is a necessity for optimal performance of State Internal Revenue authorities.
“As your ambassador, I will push my fellow governors again to understand and appreciate that it is only when you are given what you need to work with that they can reap the full benefits of your expertise.
“I will empahsise to them that you need a clear space to work, that you need independence and full tenure to work. These are necessary to enhance the confidence of the taxpayers, that of your subordinates and the public”, he said.
The governor wished the board fruitful deliberations.
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In a keynote address, Chair of JRB, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, represented by the Executive Secretary, Olusegun Adesokan, lauded the performance of Lagos State Internal Revenue Service in annual revenue collection in the administration of Governor Sanwo-Olu, and the leadership of Ayodele Subair, as executive chair.
The board chair attributed the IGR feat recorded by the state to sustained reforms in the revenue sector.
“The performance of Lagos State Internal Revenue Service is rooted in reforms initiated by Bola Tinubu as governor.”
“In 2025, Lagos State generated over N1.7 trillion, representing a 39 per cent increase compared to the N1.2 trillion in 2024. This reflects sustained commitment to reform and institutional strengthening.”
Dr. Adedeji said JRB is particularly pleased by the fact that Lagos State revenue is deployed by Sanwo-Olu to improve welfare of citizens through investment in infrastructure, including a multi-modal transportation system, education, food security, among other sectors.
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He thanked the governor for hosting the board’s 159th Meeting and appreciated LIRS for its hospitality since the commencement of the meeting on Monday.
Earlier in his welcome remark, the Executive Chairman of Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Ayodele Subair, said the JRB plays a vital role in strengthening Nigeria’s tax administration and that the 159th Meeting of the Board hosted in Lagos State came at a pivotal time after the enactment of the new tax Acts.
Mr. Subair said the visionary leadership and support of the Governor to the LIRS has enhanced service delivery, and positions Lagos State as a model in subnational revenue mobilisation in Nigeria.
He thanked the Governor Sanwo-Olu for hosting the Board Meeting for the second time.
The theme of the 159th Meeting of the JRB is, “From Fragmentation to Coherence: Advancing Sub-National Tax Administration Through Harmonisation”.
