Subair stated this at the Gala night organised to close the 159th meeting of the Joint Revenue Board (JRB) held in Lagos, where tax administrators and revenue stakeholders from across the country gathered for four days to deliberate on ways to strengthen tax systems, improve compliance, and deepen revenue generation nationwide.

According to him, the decision by Tinubu to grant operational autonomy to the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service years ago laid the foundation for the success story that has since become a model for several states in Nigeria.

He said, “This story of taxation in Lagos was started seriously by our present President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who deemed it fit to give autonomy to the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service.

“From then on, things changed. Things are still evolving and changing because he handed over the baton to very serious governors thereafter. His model is copied in most of the states in Nigeria. I think the President deserves applause. We are seeing the benefits of that vision that this great Nigerian had, and we all pledge to continue.”

Subair noted that Lagos had sustained the momentum through successive administrations, with visible investments in transportation, urban renewal, and other public infrastructure funded largely through taxes paid by residents.

The LIRS chief also commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for delivering robust infrastructure development. He noted that in addition to significant investments in education, health, housing, and urban renewal projects, the multimodal transportation system, which includes rail, road, and water transport, is a key part of the current administration’s legacy.

He said, “Governor Sanwo-Olu is doing a great job. This administration is building the multimodal transport system, as witnessed by the JTB members. Apart from the rail, you also have road transport through the BRT, and then we have the ferry service.

“We launched all sorts of projects, and we are soon going to have electric ferries and boats that will move people all over. Also, the Red Line is supposed to be fully in place within one year.

“All this would never have been possible without the good people of Lagos paying their taxes. When you pay your taxes, there is a high level of correlation between the payment of taxes and development.

“In other countries, people pay a lot of taxes, some up to 50 to 60 per cent of their earnings, and it is a way of life for them. In Nigeria, they are trying, but the benefits of paying taxes can only come when everybody plays their own part.”

The LIRS chairman added that voluntary compliance in Lagos had continued to rise because taxpayers could clearly see how their contributions were being utilised.

He said, “In Lagos especially, tax compliance is moving at a much higher pace than that of the rest of the country. That is because people can see where their money is going. You can see the good projects that are coming. You can see the good works of the government of Lagos.”

The 159th meeting of the Joint Revenue Board, formerly known as the Joint Tax Board, ran from April 20 to April 23 in Lagos.

The board comprises the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, chairmen of the 36 state internal revenue services, and the Federal Capital Territory and representatives of strategic government 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 meeting featured various activities, including a session of the Finance and General Purpose Committee, followed by meetings of the Education Committee on the second day. Delegates also took part in an excursion to inspect major infrastructure projects carried out by the Lagos State Government. They rode the Lagos Blue Line Rail from Marina to Mile 2 and visited the iconic Eko Atlantic City.

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Sanwo-Olu spoke at the State House, Marina, while hosting members of the Joint Revenue Board (JRB) for its 159th meeting, which began on Monday, April 20, 2026.

The Joint Revenue Board (JRB) formerly known as the Joint Tax Board (JTB), is made up of the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), chairmen of the 36 State Internal Revenue Services and the Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), 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 said Lagos had continued to record significant growth in internally generated revenue due to deliberate reforms implemented by LIRS, noting that IGR now accounts for over 60 per cent of the state’s annual budget.

Sanwo-Olu disclosed that Lagos generated N1.3tn as internally generated revenue in 2024, representing a 45 per cent increase over the previous year, driven by reforms spearheaded by the LIRS.

He attributed the growth to sustained investment in digital tax systems, 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.

The governor, however, stressed that for other states to replicate Lagos’ success, tax agencies must be allowed to operate independently without undue political interference.

He urged state governors to grant full tenure and operational freedom to revenue authorities, warning that frequent disruptions in leadership could undermine efficiency and 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.”

The governor also said taxes paid by residents and businesses were being translated into visible infrastructure and social projects across the state, stressing that Lagos had become a model for linking revenue generation with development.

He said, “For us, it is really about our citizens. It is about the people who have given us the trust to believe in us and to pay these taxes. My deputy and I are consistently committed to ensure that we leave this place a lot better than we met it.”

Highlighting projects funded through public revenue, the governor cited the Blue and Red Rail Lines, road expansion projects, hospitals and new universities. He said Lagos was building a multi-modal transportation system that would combine rail, water transport and buses to improve movement across the state.

Earlier, Chairman of the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), Ayodele Subair, said the Joint Revenue Board had become central to strengthening Nigeria’s tax system through coordination and reform implementation.

He added that the new tax laws had made coordination even more urgent.

“This meeting comes at a pivotal time following the enactment and implementation of the new tax laws. The JRB is positioning itself to support effective implementation by strengthening coordination across all tiers of government,” he said.

Subair noted that Lagos’ hosting of the meeting again after five years reflected its economic importance.

“After a five-year interval, Lagos State is once again honoured to host this important gathering. This reflects the state’s leadership as Nigeria’s economic nerve centre,” he said.

“Speaking on behalf of the Chairman of the Joint Revenue Board, Zacch Adedeji, the Executive Secretary of JRB, Olusegun Adesokan, commended Lagos for its revenue performance and governance reforms.

He said, “It is no surprise that Lagos State Internal Revenue Service remains the leading subnational revenue authority in Nigeria.”

Adesokan added that Lagos’ revenue growth reflected long-term reforms.

“Prior to this, the state’s annual internal revenue was less than N94bn. But today, Lagos generates over N1.7tn annually,” he said.

He noted that the increase represented a 39 per cent rise year-on-year.

“These achievements clearly demonstrate how strong revenue performance, when effectively managed, translates into tangible development outcomes for citizens,” he said.

Adesokan further described Lagos as a benchmark for tax administration in Nigeria.

“Your sustained support for tax administration underscores the high priority you accord effective revenue administration and its critical contribution to sustainable development,” he said.

The Executive Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service, Okon Okon, thanked Governor Sanwoolu for hosting the meeting at hehighlights the positive experiences of the JRB members in Lagos, especially the Blurail train ride from Marina to Mile 2 and a visit to the Eko Atlantic City.

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Following the earlier extension granted to April 14, 2026, the Agency has observed a significant increase in traffic on its eTax platform as more taxpayers endeavour to meet the filing deadline.

In view of this development, and to ensure that all taxpayers are provided with adequate opportunity to successfully complete their filings, LIRS hereby announces a further extension of the deadline, now set for April 21, 2026.

This additional extension is granted in consideration of the overwhelming response and to enhance taxpayer convenience, while maintaining the integrity and accuracy of submissions.

Taxpayers are reminded that the filing of annual income tax returns remains a statutory obligation and are encouraged to take advantage of this final extension to fulfil their civic responsibility.

The Executive Chairman of LIRS, Dr. Ayodele Subair, on Friday  reiterated that all filings must be completed electronically via the LIRS eTax platform: https://etax.lirs.net, which remains the only approved channel for submission.

For further enquiries or assistance, taxpayers may visit any LIRS office or contact the Agency through its official communication channels.

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In a statement issued on Monday, the Executive Chairman of LIRS, Dr. Ayodele Subair, explained that the statutory deadline for filing of individual annual tax returns is March 31 every year.

He noted that the extension is intended to provide individuals with additional time to complete and submit accurate tax returns.

Dr. Subair stated that individuals must give priority to the timely filing of their annual income tax returns, noting that compliance should be embedded as a routine personal practice.

He also reiterated that electronic filing through the LIRS eTax platform remains the only approved method for submitting annual returns, as manual filings have been completely phased out. Individuals are therefore required to file their returns exclusively through the LIRS eTax portal: https://etax.lirs.net.

Describing the platform as secure, user-friendly, and accessible 24/7, Dr. Subair advised individuals to ensure that their TaxID (Tax Identification Number) is correctly captured in their submissions.

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Mr. Ayodele Subair, the Executive Chairman, LIRS, announced this in a statement signed by the Head, Corporate Communications, Monsurat Amasa-Oyelude on Sunday.

Under Section 41 of the Amendment Act, all taxable entities must submit a return reflecting their total income from all sources for the preceding fiscal year to the relevant state tax authority within 90 days of the commencement of each new assessment year.

Mr. Subair further underscored the importance of adhering to the deadline as he urged all individual taxpayers, including self-employed individuals and employees under the PAYE scheme in Lagos State to fulfill their obligation by the stipulated date to avoid penalties and other statutory consequences.

While emphasizing that tax returns should be submitted exclusively through the LIRS eTax portal, which can be accessed at https://etax.lirs.net, the LIRS boss said all taxable entities within Lagos State must register on the eTax portal, which has been designed to provide ease, convenience, and security to taxpayers.

“In furtherance of our commitment to facilitating compliance for taxpayers, dedicated tax officers are available at our various tax stations to assist individuals in completing online registration and tax return submissions via the eTax portal”, Subair concluded.

For filing and other tax-related inquiries, taxpayers are encouraged to contact the customer service center at 0700 CALL LIRS (0700 2255 5477) or via email at etaxinfo@lirs.net. Additionally, individuals can engage with LIRS on various social media platforms or visit the agency’s website at www.lirs.gov.ng for further information.

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