Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has tasked the Nigerian government on the need to expand the country’s tax base by exploring innovative ways.
Mr Sanwo-Olu said that although the nation was fostering a business environment that gives room for the economy to thrive, he noted the need to make the tax system transparent and accountable to Nigerians to boost voluntary compliance.
The governor, represented by his aide on taxation and revenue, Abdul-Kabir Opeyemi Ogungbo, spoke at the 26th Annual Tax Conference organized by the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria in Abuja.
“We need to explore innovative ways to expand the tax base while fostering a business environment that allows our economy to thrive,” he said. “The good news is that Nigeria is already taking positive steps in these directions.”
According to him, the recent efforts to streamline state-level taxes and the focus on integrating the growing remote workforce into the tax net by the government are commendable initiatives.
Mr Sanwo-Olu emphasised the necessity for citizens to witness tangible outcomes from their tax contributions, stressing the pivotal role taxes play in fuelling public services and infrastructural development.
The governor noted that building a strong and sustainable future through a robust tax system driving economic growth and development had become inevitable.
He, however, advised taxpayers to view tax payments not as a burden but as an investment in a better future for Nigeria.
“We must all understand the crucial role taxes play in building a better Nigeria for ourselves and for generations to come,” he said.
The theme of the ongoing programme is “Sustainable tax culture and economic road map for nation building.”