The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has attributed Lagos State’s sustained tax growth to reforms introduced by Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his tenure as governor. The agency said those early decisions reshaped tax administration and continue to influence revenue performance today.
Speaking at the close of the 159th Joint Revenue Board (JRB) meeting in Lagos, LIRS Executive Chairman, Dr Ayodele Subair, stressed that autonomy granted to the service marked a turning point. He noted that the LIRS model has since become a reference point for other states seeking to boost internally generated revenue.
LIRS reforms rooted in Tinubu’s foresight
According to Subair, the decision to grant operational independence to LIRS enabled efficiency and innovation. Therefore, the agency could modernise tax processes and expand compliance mechanisms. He explained that the reforms introduced under President Tinubu laid a durable foundation for growth.
Subair said, “This story of taxation in Lagos was started seriously by our present President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who deemed it fit to give autonomy to the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service. From then on, things changed.”
He added that successive administrations built on that structure. Meanwhile, several states across Nigeria have adopted similar frameworks to strengthen their own tax systems.
Infrastructure growth driven by LIRS revenue
Subair linked Lagos’ visible infrastructure expansion to improved tax collection. In addition, he highlighted investments in transportation, education, healthcare, and housing as outcomes of consistent revenue flows.
He commended Babajide Sanwo-Olu for advancing a multimodal transport system. This includes rail lines, bus rapid transit, and water transport services.
Subair stated, “This administration is building the multimodal transport system. Apart from the rail, you also have road transport through the BRT, and then we have the ferry service.”
He further revealed plans for electric ferries and expanded rail infrastructure. However, he emphasised that such projects depend heavily on sustained tax compliance by residents.
Rising compliance strengthens LIRS performance
The LIRS boss noted that voluntary compliance has improved significantly in Lagos. According to him, taxpayers are more willing to fulfil obligations when they see tangible results. Consequently, the state continues to record higher compliance rates than many others.
He said, “In Lagos especially, tax compliance is moving at a much higher pace. That is because people can see where their money is going.”
In addition, Subair pointed out that transparency and accountability have strengthened trust between government and taxpayers. This trust, he explained, is critical for long-term revenue sustainability.
JRB meeting focuses on national tax strategy
The 159th JRB meeting brought together tax administrators and stakeholders nationwide. The board includes heads of state revenue services, federal agencies, and key institutions such as the Federal Ministry of Finance.
Deliberations focused on improving tax systems, enhancing compliance, and boosting nationwide revenue generation. Meanwhile, committees reviewed policy frameworks and explored new strategies for efficiency.
Delegates also inspected major Lagos infrastructure projects. They toured the Blue Line Rail and visited Eko Atlantic City, showcasing how LIRS-backed revenue supports development.
LIRS model gains national relevance
Subair emphasised that Lagos remains a leader in tax innovation. Therefore, its model continues to influence reforms across Nigeria. He stressed that sustained growth requires collective responsibility from taxpayers and government alike.
He concluded, “The benefits of paying taxes can only come when everybody plays their own part.”
