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Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called on fellow governors across Nigeria to empower their State Internal Revenue Service (SIRS) chairmen and give them the independence needed to improve internally generated revenue (IGR).
Eko Hot Blog reports that he said giving revenue agencies the right tools, freedom, and full tenure would not only boost performance but also strengthen taxpayer confidence and encourage compliance.
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Sanwo-Olu made this appeal on Wednesday while hosting members of the Joint Revenue Board at Lagos House, Marina, during a courtesy visit to declare open the Board’s 159th meeting.
According to him, governors must allow revenue agencies to operate without undue interference if they want to fully benefit from their expertise.
“They need to give you clear space to work, independence, and your full tenure. That’s how you build trust and ensure people do the right thing,” he said.
The governor noted that Lagos is fully aligned with the national tax reform framework and remains open to collaboration with other states, including sharing data, aligning systems, and improving compliance nationwide.
Highlighting Lagos’ performance, Sanwo-Olu revealed that the state generated ₦1.3 trillion in IGR in 2024, marking a 45% increase from the previous year. He added that over 60% of the state’s budget is now funded through internally generated revenue, an achievement driven by digital tax systems, expanded tax net, and improved trust with taxpayers.
He stressed that the funds have been used to deliver development projects under his administration’s THEMES+ agenda, impacting over 24 million residents.
Earlier, Chairman of the Joint Revenue Board, Zacch Adedeji, represented by Executive Secretary Olusegun Adesokan, described the meeting’s theme focused on harmonising sub-national tax systems—as timely and important.
He praised Lagos for maintaining its position as Nigeria’s leading sub-national revenue authority, attributing the success of the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service to sustained reforms dating back to the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Adedeji noted that Lagos’ IGR has grown significantly over the years—from less than ₦94 billion before the reforms to over ₦1.7 trillion annually in recent times. He added that the state recorded over ₦1.7 trillion in 2025 alone, a 39% increase from 2024.
He also highlighted key infrastructure and social investments funded through these revenues, including the Ojota–Opebi Link Bridge, the Abijo Mid-Level Agro Food Hub, the regeneration of Tolu Schools Complex in Ajegunle, and ongoing rail transport projects.
Also speaking, Chairman of LIRS, Ayodele Subair, commended Sanwo-Olu for strengthening the agency through improved funding, infrastructure, and staff welfare.
He said the Joint Revenue Board remains central to improving Nigeria’s tax system and expressed confidence that the meeting would further enhance collaboration and reinforce Lagos’ leadership in fiscal governance.
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