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.”

Babatunde Fashola, former minister of works, has advised Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor of Lagos, to reduce taxes and levies collected in the state. Fashola, who spoke on Friday at the 18th edition of the Lagos’ executive and legislative parley, said the reduction of levies would limit the burden of the economic hardship on the residents. 

“The Lagos state government deserves to be commended for the feeding initiative and for also reducing the cost of transportation in the state; this is commendable and I applaud Gov. Sanwo-Olu,” he said.

“I’d like to make additional suggestions. I’d like to advise that, in line with finding succour for residents of our great state with the current economic situation, I think reducing levies and taxes would help. There must be a balance. I remember during the Ebola crisis, the Association of Tourism and Hotel Owners approached us (government) then that we should suspend the Consumption Tax, which we did.

“These are some of the ways we can bring relief to the people of Lagos state. It is important to increase the quantum of money for disposal. There must be a balance in governance.” The former Lagos governor also advised the state to ensure the redistribution of the wealth to reach small business owners.

“We must meet with small businesses across the senatorial districts, and the state legislature should hold town hall meetings to understand their needs and demands. We have more money in the hands of the people; we need to roll out public works in construction, supply, etc. We need to find a way to redistribute wealth.” 

"TAXMAN" BY LUCKY DUBE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aa615pbe-gE?si=vWHOgOjxkNvCrXQ3
-1). I pay my gardener to clean up my garden
I pay my doctor to check out the other ting
I pay my lawyer to fight for my rights
And I pay my bodyguard to guard my body

There's only one man I pay but I don't know what I'm paying for
I'm talking about the taxman (aha-aha)
I'm talking about the taxman (aha-aha)
Whoa, I'm saying the taxman (aha-aha)

You gotta tell me now Mr. Taxman (what have you done for me lately?)
I wanna (Mr Taxman) know where my money goes (what have you done for me lately?)
I'm talking (Mr Taxman) to you, Mr Taxman (what have you done for me lately?)
Tell me now (Mr Taxman) (what have you done for me lately?)
(Mr Taxman)

Two hundred thousand trillion dollars of taxpayers' money disappear every year
Unaccounted for. Even dead man pay tax

-2). You take from the rich, Take from the poor
You even take from me, Can't understand it now
I pay for the police to... ah, I don't know why
'Cause if my dollar was good enough
There wouldn't be so much crime in the streets
They tell me you're a fat man
And you always take and never give

What have you done for me lately, (Mr Taxman)?
What have you done for me lately, (Mr Taxman)?
What have you done for me lately?

......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,”

Racoon:
These mofos think they are smart. Like father like son. An apple does not always falls far from its tree. From what on ground the administration is already pointing to that direction. Like someone who steals what he doesn’t have any ideal about.

Racoon:


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 must meet with small businesses across the senatorial districts, and the state legislature should hold town hall meetings to understand their needs and demands. We have more money in the hands of the people; we need to roll out public works in construction, supply, etc. We need to find a way to redistribute wealth.”