Sanwo-Olu Urges Sub-National Governments to Champion Tax Reforms at CITN Conference

• Governor Sanwo-Olu urged sub-national governments to lead tax reform implementation for national economic growth.
• He showcased Lagos State’s transformation through digitized, payer-friendly tax systems, citing the N1 trillion IGR milestone.
• The Governor emphasized aligning with new federal tax laws while avoiding loopholes that could hinder MSME compliance.

Lagos State Governor, His Excellency Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has called on sub-national governments across Nigeria to take ownership of tax reform implementation, emphasizing its pivotal role in achieving national economic development.

Ekohotblog reports that Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Taxation and Revenue, Mr. Abdul-Kabir Opeyemi Ogungbo, made this charge during the 27th Annual Tax Conference of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), held yesterday at the Abuja Chamber of Commerce.

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Speaking to a high-level audience that included outgoing CITN President Mr. Samuel Olusola Agbeluyi, incoming President Mr. Innocent Ohagwa, Ondo State Governor Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, tax experts, and policymakers, Sanwo-Olu aligned his message with the conference’s theme, “Taxation for Development: Policies, Law, and Implementation.”

“The theme of this conference reflects not only our current national discourse but the legislative direction the country is heading,” the Governor said.

“The bold initiatives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with strong backing from governors and lawmakers, offer a blueprint for a sustainable and prosperous future.”

In a segment titled “The Lagos Story,” Governor Sanwo-Olu shared the state’s transformational journey from a fragmented revenue structure to a robust, digital tax system.

“It all started with a vision during President Tinubu’s tenure as Governor of Lagos. That vision laid the fiscal foundation we build on today,” he explained.

“Our achievements are a testament to the power of strategic planning, technological adoption, and payer-centric systems.”

Sanwo-Olu cited key innovations such as the Lagos Revenue Portal (LRP), the integration of the National Identification Number (NIN), AI-driven revenue chatbots, and the use of data analytics, all of which have simplified compliance and enhanced taxpayer experience.

“We are not just collecting taxes; we are making it easier for citizens to meet their obligations without leaving their comfort zones,” he said. “This is why we hit the milestone of N1 trillion in Internally Generated Revenue in 2024.”

He also highlighted Lagos State’s broader fiscal strides, including a N10 billion partnership with the Bank of Industry (BOI) to support MSMEs and the enactment of the Lagos State Electricity Law in December 2024.

“These efforts are about creating an enabling environment where businesses can thrive and residents enjoy improved services,” Sanwo-Olu noted.

Looking ahead, the Governor urged state governments to prepare for the full implementation of the newly passed tax reform bills.

He drew attention to a significant clause in the legislation that exempts employees earning less than N800,000 annually from Personal Income Tax, stressing the need for thoughtful execution.

“This provision could create a tax shield for many in the MSME and startup sectors,” he warned.

“We must not allow tax evasion to fester. Sub-nationals must ramp up direct assessment efforts targeting high-net-worth individuals.”

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Sanwo-Olu stressed that Nigeria’s aspiration to reach a $1 trillion GDP target requires bold actions from states, including overhauling tax laws, adopting technology, strengthening data systems, and investing in human capital.

“Let this gathering be the catalyst for a more inclusive and resilient tax culture, one that drives our collective prosperity,” he concluded. “I commend President Tinubu for his visionary leadership and CITN for its unwavering commitment to national progress.”

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