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L-R: Hajiya Rakiya Dodo, Executive Chairman, Zamfara State Internal Revenue Service; Mr Emmanuel Nnamani, Executive Chairman, Enugu State Internal Revenue Service; Dr Ayodele Subair, Executive Chairman, Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, (LIRS) and Aisha Adamu, Executive Chairman, Gombe State Internal Revenue Service during the 159th meeting of the Joint Revenue Board, hosted by the LIRS, held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos
EXECUTIVE Chairman of the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, LIRS, Dr Ayodele Subair, has attributed the state’s sustained revenue growth to tax reforms initiated by President Bola Tinubu during his tenure as governor.
Subair said this on Friday at a gala night marking the close of the 159th meeting of the Joint Revenue Board (JRB) in Lagos.
He noted that Tinubu’s decision to grant operational autonomy to LIRS laid the foundation for improved tax administration and stronger revenue performance.
“This story of taxation in Lagos began in earnest under our current President, who granted autonomy to the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service.
“Since then, the system has continued to evolve, with successive administrations building on those reforms,” he said.
Subair added that the Lagos tax model had since been adopted by several states across the country.
He commended Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for sustaining investments in infrastructure, largely funded through tax revenue.
According to him, key projects include rail development, expansion of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system and improved ferry services.
He disclosed that plans are underway to introduce electric ferries and boats to enhance water transportation, adding that the Red Line rail project is expected to be fully operational within one year.
Subair emphasised the importance of tax compliance to development, noting a direct link between revenue generation and infrastructure delivery.
“In many countries, citizens pay between 50 and 60 per cent of their income as tax, making it a civic norm,” he said.
He added that voluntary compliance in Lagos had improved as residents increasingly see the impact of their contributions.
“In Lagos, compliance is higher because taxpayers can see tangible results of how their money is being used,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the JRB meeting, held from April 20 to April 23, brought together tax administrators and key stakeholders from across the country.
Participants included chairmen of state internal revenue services, the Federal Capital Territory and representatives of government agencies such as the Federal Ministry of Finance and National Identity Management Commission.
Others were Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service and the Federal Road Safety Corps.
Activities at the meeting included technical sessions, committee engagements and inspection visits to key infrastructure projects in Lagos.
Delegates also rode the Lagos Blue Line Rail from Marina to Mile 2 and visited Eko Atlantic City. (NAN)
A.I
April 25, 2026
Tags: Allocation and Fiscal Commission Dr Ayodele Subair LIRS Nigeria Customs Service Nigeria Immigration Service Revenue Mobilisation