Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has stressed that building a tax culture that is sustainable, requires concerted efforts on the part of the government to be transparent, accountable, and efficient in tax administration.
Speaking at the opening of the 26th Annual Tax Conference organised by the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), with the theme, “Sustainable Tax Culture and Economic Roadmap for Nation Building”, in Abuja,
He said taxpayers needed to see that their contributions are being used effectively for public services and infrastructural development.
Represented by his special adviser on Taxation and Revenue, Abdul -Kabir Opeyemi Ogungbo, the governor said the theme of the conference was apt and timely given that Nigeria, like many other nations, is currently facing significant economic challenges.
He said building a strong and sustainable future through a robust tax system that fosters economic growth and development had become inevitable.
He however, urged the taxpayer to have a shift in mindset, pointing out that paying taxes should not be seen as a burden, but as an investment in the collective future.
Sanwo-Olu said, “We must all understand the crucial role taxes play in building a better Nigeria for ourselves and for generations to come.
“The theme also highlights the need for a clear economic roadmap which should take note of the architecture of our developmental ideologies as they are designed to provide the government with the necessary resources to cater for the social needs of its citizens, therefore we need a tax system that incentivizes investment, job creation, and economic diversification.
“We need to explore innovative ways to expand the tax base, while fostering a business environment that allows our economy to thrive. The good news is that Nigeria is already taking positive steps in these directions. The recent efforts to streamline state-level taxes and the focus on integrating the growing remote workforce into the tax net are commendable initiatives.”
According to him, a thriving tax system is not just about collecting revenue, but empowering Nigerians to be active participants in nation-building.
The governor said, “By ensuring a system that is transparent, efficient, and fosters a sense of shared responsibility, we can unlock Nigeria’s true economic potential.”
“The CITN plays a vital role in fostering this vital shift. Your commitment to professional excellence and education is instrumental in ensuring a tax system that is fair, efficient, and promotes economic development.
“I am confident that the discussions that will be held during this conference will pave the way for a brighter future, one where a robust tax culture fuels sustainable economic growth and propels Nigeria towards a future of shared prosperity.”
