Sanwo-Olu Urges Tax Agency Autonomy in Nigeria

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu urged governors across Nigeria on Wednesday to grant greater autonomy to tax agencies, warning that political interference hinders revenue growth and public trust. He made the remarks while hosting the 159th meeting of the Joint Revenue Board at the State House in Marina, Lagos, an event attended by top tax administrators from federal and state levels.

Sanwo-Olu highlighted Lagos State's internally generated revenue as a model for the country, disclosing that the state collected N1.3 trillion in 2024, a 45 percent increase from the previous year. This figure now accounts for more than 60 percent of the state's annual budget, he said, crediting the success to sustained reforms by the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service. Key factors included investments in digital tax systems, expansion of the tax base and enhanced engagement with taxpayers. "It has not happened by sheer luck," Sanwo-Olu stated. "It is the result of years of investment in digital tax systems, a push to expand our tax net, and building trust with our taxpayers."

The governor emphasized that similar progress requires stability for revenue agencies, including full tenure for...