Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has called on state governors across Nigeria to empower their respective Internal Revenue Services (IRS) to enhance Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and drive sustainable development.
Sanwo-Olu made the call on Wednesday while declaring open the 159th meeting of the Joint Revenue Board at Lagos House, Marina, emphasising that granting operational independence, adequate resources, and full tenure to heads of state revenue agencies would boost taxpayer confidence and improve overall compliance.
According to the governor, “It is only when governors give revenue agencies the space and support they need that the full benefits of their expertise can be realised.”
He added that empowering revenue institutions would not only enhance efficiency but also encourage transparency and accountability in tax administration, noting that Lagos State remains aligned with the national tax reform framework and is willing to share its experiences with other states to strengthen revenue systems nationwide
Highlighting Lagos performance, he disclosed that the state generated ₦1.3 trillion in IGR in 2024, representing a 45 per cent increase from the previous year, with the revenue accounting for over 60 per cent of the state’s budget, attributing the growth to sustained investment in digital tax systems, expansion of the tax net, and deliberate efforts to build trust with taxpayers.
The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to collaboration with stakeholders, including the Joint Revenue Board, to improve tax administration and support national economic growth.
Speaking also at the event, Chairman of the Joint Revenue Board, Zacch Adedeji, described the meeting’s theme, “From Fragmentation to Coherence: Advancing Sub-National Tax Administration through Harmonisation,” as timely and relevant.
Represented by the Executive Secretary of the Board, Olusegun Adesokan, Adedeji commended Lagos State for its consistent support for revenue reforms and its leadership in sub-national tax administration.
He noted that the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, under the leadership of Ayodele Subair, remains a benchmark for other states, citing its strong performance and institutional reforms.
Adedeji also highlighted that Lagos generated over ₦1.7 trillion in IGR in 2025, reflecting sustained growth driven by long-term reforms initiated during the administration of former governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu, commending the state government for deploying revenues into key infrastructure and social projects, including the Ojota–Opebi Link Bridge, the Mid-Level Agro Food Hub in Abijo, and the regeneration of the Tolu Schools Complex in Ajegunle.
Also speaking, the Chairman of LIRS, Ayodele Subair, praised Governor Sanwo-Olu for strengthening the agency through improved funding, infrastructure, and staff welfare, noting that the Joint Revenue Board plays a crucial role in advancing Nigeria’s tax administration and expressed confidence that the meeting would further enhance collaboration and position Lagos as a leader in fiscal governance.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders in revenue administration to deliberate on strategies for harmonising tax systems, improving compliance, and strengthening fiscal sustainability across Nigeria.