The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has applauded the continued tax reforms, saying they signify a real shift and structural overhaul Nigeria wants in its fiscal area.
Sanwo-Olu acknowledged this on Wednesday, on the official opening of the 159th Assembly of the Joint Income Board (JRB) in Lagos.
The theme of the 159th Assembly of the JRB was, “From Fragmentation to Coherence: Advancing Sub-Nationwide Tax Administration By means of Harmonisation.”
In a press release, the JRB quoted Sanwo-Olu as saying that the substitute of the outdated Joint Tax Board (JTB) with JRB and the enlargement of the Board’s mandate to incorporate harmonisation of income administration throughout all tiers of governments, decision of disputes on income administration on the inter-governmental degree, and the creation of Workplace of the Tax Ombudsman to advertise taxpayers’ rights, have been laudable structural shifts.
He stated, “The substitute of the outdated JTB with the JRB is the form of structural overhaul Nigeria must harmonise income administration throughout all tiers of presidency, resolve disputes regarding income administration on the inter-government degree, and provides taxpayers a reputable Ombud, signify a real shift in Nigeria’s fiscal ecosystem.
“These aren’t any small achievements and I commend the visionary management of the our President, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and the management of the Nationwide Meeting for the tax reforms. I additionally commend the JRB to your vitality and the conviction you introduced into bringing these reforms to life.”
Sanwo-Olu, who declared the 159th Assembly open, stated Lagos State is a associate within the ongoing reform journey and will likely be prepared to assist collaborations inside the income ecosystem designed to serve the curiosity of the nation.
He famous that Lagos State Internally Generated Income (IGR) has improved remarkably below his administration, including that IGR now funds about 60 p.c of the State’s capital expenditure.
The governor attributed the state’s IGR progress to the autonomy of the LIRS, funding in know-how infrastructure, enlargement of the tax web and constructing belief in taxpayers via compact service supply to the general public.
Sanwo-Olu, who recognized himself as an envoy of the JRB to the Nigeria Governors’ Discussion board (NGF), stated he would proceed to advocate for autonomy for subnational income authorities, emphasising that operational independence is a necessity for the optimum efficiency of state inside income authorities.
“As your ambassador, I’ll push my fellow governors once more to know and recognize that it is just if you end up given what you’ll want to work with that they will reap the complete advantages of your experience.
“I’ll empahsise to them that you simply want a transparent area to work, that you simply want independence and full tenure to work. These are essential to boost the boldness of the taxpayers, that of your subordinates and the general public,” he stated.
In a keynote handle, the JRB Chairman, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, who was represented by the Government Secretary of the Board, Mr. Olusegun Adesokan, applauded the exceptional efficiency of the Lagos State Inside Income Service (LIRS) in annual income assortment below the administration of Governor Sanwo-Olu and the management of Mr. Ayodele Subair, as Government Chairman of the LIRS.
He attributed the IGR feat recorded by Lagos State to sustained reforms within the state’s income sector.
Adedeji stated, “The exceptional efficiency of the Lagos State Inside Income Service is rooted within the visionary reforms initiated by His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, throughout his tenure as Government Governor of Lagos State.
“In 2025, Lagos State generated over N1.7 trillion, representing a 39 p.c improve in comparison with the N1.2 trillion generated in 2024. This displays sustained dedication to reform and institutional strengthening.”
The JRB, he famous, was notably happy by the truth that Lagos State income is successfully deployed by Sanwo-Olu to enhance the welfare of residents via funding in infrastructure, together with a multi-modal transportation system, schooling, and meals safety, amongst different sectors.
Earlier in his welcome comment, the Government Chairman of Lagos State Inside Income Service, Mr. Ayodele Subair, stated the JRB performs a significant function in strengthening Nigeria’s tax administration, including that the 159th Assembly of the Board hosted in Lagos State got here at a pivotal time after the enactment of the brand new tax Acts.
Subair stated the visionary management and assist of the governor to the LIRS had enhanced service supply, and positions Lagos State as a mannequin in subnational income mobilisation in Nigeria.
Ndubuisi Francis
Times Nigeria