Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called for greater autonomy for tax agencies across the country, warning that political interference could undermine revenue growth and public confidence.

Sanwo-Olu made the call yesterday at the State House, Marina, while hosting members of the Joint Revenue Board (JRB) for its 159th meeting.

The governor also commended the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) for driving the state’s economic expansion through improved revenue generation.

He said Lagos had continued to record strong growth in internally generated revenue due to deliberate reforms by LIRS, noting that such revenue now accounts for over 60 per cent of the state’s annual budget.

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.

The governor said taxes paid by residents and businesses were being translated into visible infrastructure and social projects across the state, stressing that Lagos had become a model for linking revenue generation with development.

He cited major projects funded through public revenue, including the Blue and Red Rail Lines, road expansion, hospitals and new universities, adding that the state was building a multi-modal transport system combining rail, water transport and buses.

Chairman of the LIRS, Ayodele Subair, said the JRB had become central to strengthening Nigeria’s tax system through improved coordination and implementation of reforms.

Subair noted that Lagos hosting the meeting again after five years reflected its economic importance.

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.

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 highlighted the positive experience of participants, including visits to key projects such as the Blue Rail Line and Eko Atlantic City.