Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday praised the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service for its strong performance, describing it as a key driver of the state’s economic growth, while advocating greater autonomy for tax authorities nationwide.

He made the remarks at the State House, Marina, when he received members of the Joint Revenue Board for its 159th meeting, which commenced on Monday, April 20, 2026.

The Joint Revenue Board (JRB), formerly known as the Joint Tax Board, comprises the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, chairpersons of the 36 State Internal Revenue Services and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as representatives of key agencies including the Federal Ministry of Finance, National Identity Management Commission, Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, and the Federal Road Safety Corps.

The governor noted that Lagos State has continued to record significant growth in internally generated revenue, attributing the progress to deliberate reforms by the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service. He added that IGR now accounts for more than 60 per cent of the state’s annual budget.

Sanwo-Olu disclosed that Lagos State generated N1.3 trillion in internally generated revenue in 2024, reflecting a 45 per cent increase over the previous year, driven by reforms introduced by the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service.

He credited the growth to sustained investments in digital tax systems, the 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,” the governor said.

Sanwo-Olu, however, emphasised that for other states to replicate Lagos’ success, tax agencies must be allowed to operate independently and free from undue political interference.

He called on state governors to grant revenue authorities full tenure and operational autonomy, warning that frequent leadership changes could weaken efficiency and erode public confidence.

Sanwo-Olu said, “Governors need to give revenue agencies clear space to work. They need to give them that independence. They need to give them full tenure to do their work. It should not be a situation where a governor comes and wants to disrupt the tenure of the chairman.

“It is only when they do all of this that the confidence of taxpayers, the confidence of workers, and subordinates in the system will be enhanced. I will be pushing my brother governors again for them to understand and appreciate that it is only when they give you what you need to work that they can get the benefits of the expertise that you all have.”