Sanwo-Olu urges governors to empower internal revenue services for improved revenue generation

By Adeola Ogunrinde

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged state governors across Nigeria to empower chairmen of their State Internal Revenue Services to boost internally generated revenue for development.

He said granting autonomy and adequate support to revenue agencies would strengthen taxpayer confidence and improve overall compliance.

Sanwo-Olu made the call on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by the Joint Revenue Board at Lagos House, Marina, where he declared open the 159th meeting of the board.

The governor emphasised the need for governors to provide operational independence, full tenure, and the necessary tools for revenue chiefs to perform effectively.

He noted that Lagos State aligns with the national tax reform framework and remains open to collaboration with other states and the board to enhance revenue generation.

Highlighting the state’s performance, Sanwo-Olu said Lagos generated ₦1.3 trillion in internally generated revenue in 2024, representing a 45 per cent increase from the previous year.

According to him, the growth was driven by investments in digital tax systems, expansion of the tax net, and efforts to build trust with taxpayers.

Earlier, Chairman of the Joint Revenue Board, Zacch Adedeji, represented by Executive Secretary Olusegun Adesokan, described the meeting’s theme as timely and commended the governor’s commitment to strengthening revenue administration through improved infrastructure, funding, and staff welfare.