Lagos unveil new tax agenda towards raising IGR

The Lagos State Government has launched a new strategic agenda for taxation and revenue collection aimed at significantly boosting the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

Abdul-Kabir Ogungbo, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Taxation and Revenue, announced this development during a media parley held in Lagos. He stated that the new agenda is expected to enhance tax compliance and increase revenue collections.

Ogungbo explained that the comprehensive strategic agenda is designed to drive efficiency, compliance, and growth in the state’s revenue sector. As part of this initiative, the Automated Revenue Receipt (ARR) system will be introduced to simplify the revenue receipt and payment processes for residents and businesses.

He also revealed that the governor will be launching an upgraded Lagos Revenue Platform (LRP) on August 7, featuring enhanced capabilities and an improved user experience.

Ogungbo highlighted the ongoing amnesty program for property owners, which offers a special opportunity to settle outstanding property taxes. He urged residents to take advantage of this program through the LRP platform. Additionally, he mentioned the deployment of e-GIS enterprise solutions, the land administration portal, and the Land Use Charge payers activation exercise.

He emphasized that the ARR system aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S+ agenda, which focuses on efficient policy structures, technology systems, strategic enforcement, and inclusive advocacy.

“The plan aims to optimize revenue processes and operations through automation across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies in the state, harmonize sector-based revenue operations and collections to promote seamless compliance by businesses and residents, and implement sections of laws focused on driving compliance, such as PITA Section 85,” Ogungbo said.

The scheme is also intended to develop and implement revenue opportunities in the digital economy, property, and informal sectors to capture new market potentials. Additionally, it aims to collaborate with federal agencies to uncover remittances by corporate bodies for PAYE and other state-related taxes and to establish a Lagos State Revenue Court to adjudicate all revenue cases.

Ogungbo noted that the initiative will help the state achieve 99 percent centralization of revenue management through the deployment of the Lagos Revenue Portal (LRP) for non-tax collections and e-TAX for tax collections. It will also support the deployment of a Lagos State artificial intelligence chatbot system to drive seamless service delivery for both formal and informal sectors.

Furthermore, the plan includes collaboration with local governments to harmonize revenue collections and advance public enlightenment on compliance standards through various channels, including town hall meetings, seminars, TV appearances, jingles, newspaper publications, and social media.

“We are committed to making it easier for our residents and businesses to comply with tax obligations. Our goal is to create a one-stop shop for all LASG revenue collection needs, and we believe the ARR system will achieve just that. The LASG is also launching an ongoing amnesty program for property owners, offering a special opportunity to settle outstanding property taxes. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of this program through the LRP platform,” Ogungbo concluded.

 

 

 

(TheNation)

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