Tax reforms, infrastructure key to boosting revenue – Experts
Lagos, April 2026 (TBL Africa) Revenue experts have identified tax reforms and visible infrastructure development as critical drivers of revenue growth and public confidence, as they convened in Lagos for the 159th meeting of the Joint Revenue Board.
The experts made the assertion during an infrastructure tour that marked the opening of the four-day meeting hosted by the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service on Tuesday.
The participants undertook an on-the-spot assessment of key projects, including a ride on the Lagos Rail Mass Transit Blue Line from Marina to Mile 2 and back, as well as a visit to Eko Atlantic City and other private sector-driven initiatives.
The delegation, led by the Executive Secretary of the Joint Tax Board, Mr Olusegun Adesokan, said such infrastructure projects demonstrated the effective utilisation of taxpayers’ funds.
Adesokan noted that the Blue Line rail system, which completes trips in about 18 minutes, reflected the government’s commitment to service delivery and enhanced citizens’ trust in the tax system.
According to him, visible impact of tax revenue encourages voluntary compliance and strengthens revenue mobilisation.
Also speaking, Chairman of LIRS, Mr Ayodele Subair, said the rail project had eased traffic congestion and improved commuting within Lagos.
He explained that the board comprises major revenue-generating agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service(NCS), National Identity Management Commission(NIMC), Nigeria Immigration Service(NIS) and the Federal Capital Territory administration.
Subair said the tour was designed to showcase how tax revenue was being deployed to drive infrastructure development and improve the ease of doing business.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for initiating key reforms and projects, including Eko Atlantic City, during his tenure as governor of Lagos State.
According to him, the reforms have strengthened LIRS’ autonomy and enhanced revenue growth.
He also highlighted the Eko Atlantic sea defence project, noting its role in protecting the coastline and supporting long-term urban development.
Subair added that Lagos was integrating rail, road and water transport systems to build a seamless intermodal network for its growing population.
In her remarks, the Chairman of Gombe State Internal Revenue Service, Hajiya Aisha Adamu, commended Lagos for its strides in intermodal transportation and called for stronger collaboration among revenue agencies.
Similarly, the Chairman of Kwara State Internal Revenue Service, Mrs Folashade Omoniyi, commended the government Blue on the efficiency and comfort of the Blue Line.
Also, the Chairman of Niger State Internal Revenue Service, Alhaji Etsu Madami, described Eko Atlantic City as a symbol of visionary planning and large-scale infrastructure development.
He said the project demonstrated Nigeria’s capacity to execute capital-intensive projects successfully.
Participants at the meeting emphasised the need for sustained collaboration to harmonise tax systems, eliminate multiple taxation and support sustainable economic development nationwide.
