Joint Revenue Board Models National Growth on Lagos’ N1.7trn Blueprint and Tax Autonomy

The Joint Revenue Board urges Nigerian states to adopt the Lagos N1.7trn revenue model, emphasizing tax autonomy and independence from political interference.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 27, 2026, 6:55 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from THISDAYLIVE

The Independence of Tax Administration

Nigeria’s fiscal future depends more on the structural management of tax authorities than the introduction of new levies, according to revenue stakeholders at the 159th meeting of the Joint Revenue Board (JRB). During a gala event marking the end of the four-day deliberations, experts highlighted Lagos State’s 2025 revenue total of N1.7 trillion as a direct result of its tax autonomy model. Ayodele Subair, Chairman of the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), asserted that the ability to hire top-tier staff and execute statutory mandates without political interference has been the engine behind the state’s record-breaking performance.

Converting Tax Receipts into Economic Assets

The impact of high revenue generation in Lagos is increasingly visible in the state’s public infrastructure and capital investments. Subair noted that tax earnings currently cover 60 percent of the state’s capital expenditure, facilitating the development of transport corridors, bridges, and schools. This conversion of tax receipts into tangible economic assets serves as a proof of concept for other states, demonstrating that robust revenue collection, when managed independently, leads to improved public services and a higher compliance level among citizens who see the dividends of their contributions.

The Legacy of Operational Autonomy

The JRB Executive Secretary, Mr. Olusegun Adesokan, attributed the current success of the Lagos template to the reforms initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his tenure as governor. By granting the LIRS operational autonomy, a precedent was set for professionalized tax administration in Nigeria. Adesokan noted that while several other states have attempted to replicate this model, the results remain uneven due to varying degrees of political involvement. He urged governors to view revenue boards as professional institutions rather than instruments of political patronage.