The Joint Revenue Board and the Lagos state government have called for autonomy for tax agencies across the country, stressing that political interference could undermine revenue growth and public confidence. Lagos governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu made the call yesterday at the State House, Marina, while hosting members of the Joint Revenue Board (JRB) for its 159th meeting, a statement by JRB has said. The governor disclosed that Lagos generated N1.3tn as internally generated revenue in 2024, representing a 45 per cent increase over the previous year, which he attributed to sustained investment in digital tax systems, expansion of the tax base and improved engagement with taxpayers.
“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,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu stressed that for other states to achieve similar results, governors must allow revenue agencies to operate independently with clear mandates and stability in leadership. He added that granting autonomy would enable governments to fully benefit from the expertise within revenue agencies. Speaking on behalf of the Chairman of the Joint Revenue Board, Zacch Adedeji, the Executive Secretary of the board, Olusegun Adesokan, commended Lagos for its revenue performance and governance reforms, describing it as a benchmark for tax administration in Nigeria. Adesokan said the state’s current revenue profile was the result of sustained reforms over time.