Sanwo-Olu Commends LIRS Performance, Seeks Greater Autonomy for State Tax Agencies at JRB Meeting
By The The The People’s Voice Nigeria News
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has commended the performance of the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, describing it as a key driver of the state’s economic growth, while calling for greater autonomy for tax agencies across Nigeria.
The governor made the remarks at the State House, Marina, while hosting members of the Joint Revenue Board (JRB) during its 159th meeting, which commenced on Monday, April 20, 2026.
The JRB formerly known as the Joint Tax Board, comprises the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, heads of the 36 State Internal Revenue Services, the Federal Capital Territory representative, and key agencies including the Federal Ministry of Finance, National Identity Management Commission, Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, and the Federal Road Safety Corps.
Governor Sanwo-Olu noted that Lagos has continued to record significant growth in internally generated revenue (IGR), largely driven by deliberate reforms implemented by LIRS. According to him, IGR now accounts for over 60 per cent of the state’s annual budget.
Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State Governor; Mr. Olusegun Adesokan, Executive Secretary, Joint Revenue Board (JRB), representing Dr. Zacc Adedeji, Chairman, JRB; and Dr. Ayodele Subair, Executive Chairman, Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), as the Governor hosted members of the Joint Revenue Board and declared open the 159th JRB Meeting at Lagos House, Marina, on Wednesday.
He disclosed that Lagos generated ₦1.3 trillion in IGR in 2024, representing a 45 per cent increase compared to the previous year.
“We can say that our internally generated revenues now account for well over 60 per cent of our budget. It has not happened by sheer luck. 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 said.
Sanwo-Olu, however, stressed that replicating Lagos’ success across other states would require granting tax agencies greater operational independence. He urged governors to allow revenue authorities function without political interference, including respecting leadership tenure.
“Governors need to give revenue agencies clear space to work. They need to give them that independence and full tenure to do their work. It is only when they do all of this that the confidence of taxpayers and workers in the system will be enhanced,” he added.
The governor further emphasised that taxes paid by residents and businesses are being translated into visible infrastructure and social development projects across Lagos, positioning the state as a model for linking revenue generation with tangible outcomes.
L-R: Dr Ayodele Subair, Executive Chairman, Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, LIRS; Mr. Olusegun Adesokan, Executive Secretary, Joint Revenue Board (JRB); Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-olu, Lagos State Governor; Mr. Obafemi Hazmat, Lagos State Deputy Governor; Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, Director-General/CEO, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and Mr. Abayomi Oluyomi, Lagos State Commissioner for Finance as the governor hosted members of the Joint Revenue Board, and declared open the 159th JRB meeting at the Lagos House, Marina on Wednesday
“For us, it is about our citizens who have trusted us enough to pay taxes. We are committed to ensuring that we leave the state better than we met it,” he said.
Highlighting key projects funded through public revenue, Sanwo-Olu cited the development of the Lagos Blue Line and Lagos Red Line, road expansion initiatives, healthcare facilities, and new universities. He added that Lagos is building a multi-modal transportation system integrating rail, water transport, and bus services to improve mobility.
Earlier, the Executive Chairman of LIRS, Ayodele Subair, said the JRB has become central to strengthening Nigeria’s tax system through coordination and reform implementation.
“This meeting comes at a pivotal time following the enactment and implementation of the new tax laws. The JRB is positioning itself to support effective implementation by strengthening coordination across all tiers of government,” he said.
Subair also noted that Lagos hosting the meeting again after five years reflects its economic significance as Nigeria’s commercial hub.
L-R: Hajiya Rakiya Ahmad Dodo, Executive Chairman, Zamfara State Internal Revenue Service (ZIRS), Mr. Emmanuel Ekene Nnamani, Executive Chairman, Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (ESIRS), Dr Ayodele Subair, Executive Chairman, Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS and Aisha Adamu, Executive Chairman, Gombe State Internal Revenue Service (GIRS) during the 159th meeting of the Joint Revenue Board, hosted by the LIRS, held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Speaking on behalf of the JRB Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, the Executive Secretary, Olusegun Adesokan, commended Lagos for its strong revenue performance and governance reforms.
“It is no surprise that Lagos State Internal Revenue Service remains the leading subnational revenue authority in Nigeria,” Adesokan said.
He revealed that Lagos’ internally generated revenue has grown from less than ₦94 billion annually in previous years to over ₦1.7 trillion, reflecting sustained reforms and improved tax administration.
“These achievements clearly demonstrate how strong revenue performance, when effectively managed, translates into tangible development outcomes for citizens,” he added.
Adesokan further described Lagos as a benchmark for tax administration in Nigeria, noting that its sustained commitment to revenue reforms has contributed significantly to national fiscal development.
Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service, Okon Okon, thanked the Lagos State Government for hosting the meeting and commended the hospitality extended to participants.
He highlighted the positive experiences of JRB members during their stay, including a ride on the Lagos Blue Rail Line from Marina to Mile 2 and a visit to Eko Atlantic City.
The meeting brought together top revenue administrators and stakeholders across Nigeria to strengthen tax coordination, enhance compliance, and improve fiscal sustainability nationwide.
