We Align With Tinubu’s Tax Reform Agenda – Sanwo-Olu

Lagos State governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said the state fully aligns with the ongoing tax reform agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Sanwo-Olu, who said this at a tax Reform Summit jointly convened by the Lagos State Office of the Special Adviser on Taxation and Revenue and the Lagos State Treasury Office, held in Ikeja, Lagos, assured stakeholders in the tax sector that the state is committed to a fair, transparent, and growth-friendly tax system that supports sustainable development and shared prosperity.

The governor also commended President Bola Tinubu for taking a bold step in bringing about tax reform. “I give kudos to our dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for taking the steps he is taking, because the pains are gradually giving way to the gains. We fully aligned with the ongoing tax reform agenda of our dear President,” he said.

He noted that some critics have claimed the reforms will place a greater burden on the poor and further strengthen the hand of the rich, but the governor explained that this is not the case.

“On the contrary, it will protect small businesses, ensure that the rich fulfil their obligations to society, block leakages and expand the tax net,” Sanwo-Olu explained.

He added that what President Tinubu is doing is to simplify Nigeria’s tax laws, reduce multiplicity, strengthen administration, and modernise revenue collection through technology.

Sanwo-Olu therefore charged participants at the Summit to ensure they produce clear, practical outcomes that support national reform objectives while reflecting the economic realities of Lagos State.

He further stressed that the federal government advance reforms to harmonise tax laws, strengthen VAT administration, improve coordination across tiers of government, and separate tax policy from administration.

“Lagos State is positioning itself as a leading sub-national in the implementation of these reforms. Our focus is not merely compliance with new frameworks, but effective execution that delivers real value to citizens and businesses.”

Earlier in his speech, the Chairman of the Presidential Physical Policy and Tax Reform Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, stated that tax reform in Nigeria is essential for fixing broken systems, not just raising rates.

He maintained that Sub-national tax reform was crucial for Nigeria’s economic survival and development.

Oyedele maintained that trust is built when taxpayers see value for money and clear, consistently applied rules, adding that transparency in revenue utilisation is necessary to improve taxpayer trust. Lagos State is expected to demonstrate leadership in data quality for economic planning.

He added that the presidential fiscal policy and tax reform committee has drafted a model law for states, and revenue collection should be harmonised within states to promote efficiency.

‎Oyedele added that Nigeria’s fiscal sustainability depends on effective tax harmonisation and property taxation.