Sanwo-Olu praises LIRS performance, cites Lagos revenue growth, and calls for autonomy for tax agencies to strengthen national tax administration
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has commended the performance of the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, describing it as a major driver of economic growth, while calling for greater autonomy for tax agencies across Nigeria.
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The governor made the remarks on Wednesday at the State House, Marina, during the 159th meeting of the Joint Revenue Board (JRB), which began on April 20, 2026.
Sanwo-Olu said Lagos has sustained strong internally generated revenue through reforms implemented by the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), noting that revenue now accounts for over 60 per cent of the state’s budget.
He disclosed that Lagos generated N1.3 trillion in 2024, representing a 45 per cent increase from the previous year, attributing the growth to digital tax systems, expanded tax coverage, and improved taxpayer engagement.
The Lagos tax autonomy featured strongly in his address, as he urged governors to grant revenue agencies operational independence and stable leadership structures to improve efficiency.
Sanwo-Olu warned that frequent political interference in revenue agencies undermines performance and public trust, stressing the need for continuity and professionalism in tax administration.
“For governors to benefit fully, they must give revenue agencies space and independence to work,” he said.
He added that taxes collected are being converted into visible infrastructure projects, including rail systems, road networks, hospitals, and educational institutions across the state.
Chairman of LIRS Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, Ayodele Subair, said the Joint Revenue Board has become central to strengthening coordination among tax authorities nationwide, especially following new tax legislation.
He noted that Lagos continues to serve as a benchmark for subnational revenue performance, citing long-term reforms that have transformed the state’s fiscal capacity.
Executive Secretary of the JRB, Olusegun Adesokan, also praised Lagos, saying its revenue growth reflects effective tax administration and governance reforms that translate into development outcomes for citizens.
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The meeting brought together state revenue chairmen and federal agencies, reinforcing efforts to improve coordination and harmonise Nigeria’s tax system.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
