The Lagos State Inland Revenue Service (LIRS) has been commended for generating over N1 trillion as revenue and setting new standards for tax administration in Nigeria.
This commendation came from legislators in the Lagos State House of Assembly, who said this landmark accomplishment positions the tax agency as the first sub-national revenue agency in the country to attain such a feat, reflecting its professionalism, efficiency, and commitment to transparent tax administration.
The former Chairman of the House Committee on Economic Planning and Budgeting, Mr Lukman Sa’ad Olumoh, alongside the former Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, Mr Femi Saheed, said the chairman of the LIRS, Mr Ayodele Subair, has showed exemplary leadership and dedication to enhancing the state’s revenue performance.
In a recent interview, Mr Olumoh described the achievement as a testament to the dedication and expertise of the LIRS team.
The representative of the Ajeromi-Ifelodun Constituency 01 in the Lagos State House of Assembly praised Mr Subair for fostering a culture of efficiency and innovation within the agency, which has significantly contributed to its success.
Speaking during the 2024 budget signing ceremony, Mr Olumoh conveyed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu that Lagos State has reached an exceptional level in revenue generation.
He acknowledged LIRS’s historic achievement of surpassing the N1 trillion mark and expressed confidence in the agency’s ability to exceed future targets. He further urged the state government to sustain its support for LIRS, emphasizing that continued improvements in revenue collection could reduce reliance on external borrowing.
“You cannot expect remarkable results without placing the right people in key positions. LIRS is managed by a team of highly skilled professionals. While it operates as a government agency, its structure and operations reflect global best practices.
“The agency has evolved into a world-class institution, moving from Good Shepherd’s House to the state-of-the-art Revenue House. A visit to its facilities will reveal an environment that fosters excellence.
“Under the leadership of Mr Subair, a visionary and dedicated professional, LIRS has achieved remarkable success. The agency’s work culture and improved operational environment have been instrumental in reaching this milestone,” the lawmaker stated.
He noted that based on LIRS’s consistent performance, the revenue target for 2025 has been set at N1.4 trillion. He assured that as Lagos’s economy continues to expand and more employment opportunities are created, this growth in revenue collection would not impose additional burdens on residents but rather result from enhanced tax compliance and structured reforms.
“LIRS has demonstrated steady growth over the past five years. We have set a revenue target of N1.4 trillion for 2025, and I am confident that the agency can surpass this goal. Lagos State has the capacity to generate over N4 trillion in internal revenue without negatively impacting its residents,” he added.
He also highlighted the role of upcoming tax reforms at the federal level, noting that the Joint Tax Board (JTB) would ensure a well-structured tax administration system. He reassured the public that no adverse fiscal policies would be introduced, emphasizing that the focus remains on improving compliance and fostering a positive tax culture.