In a bid to moderate and ensure transparency of tax collection, the Lagos State House of Assembly held a day public hearing to seek stakeholders’ input on the proposed Lagos State Harmonised Taxes and Levies Law on Friday.
This bill aims at providing a unified legal framework for the collection of taxes and levies by the State government and Local government councils across the State.
Giving his welcome address, the Chairman, Committee on Finance, Hon. Obafemi Saheed, stated that the bill proposes the harmonization of several taxes and levies into clearly defined categories in order to simplify collection processes and improve efficiency in revenue administration.
He explained that the proposed Law prohibits illegal roadblocks and unauthorized revenue collections while promoting electronic payment systems to enhance accountability, transparency and operational efficiency in the state’s tax administration framework. He encouraged stakeholders to contribute immensely to the proposed legislation.
Giving the Keynote address on behalf of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, the Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. (Mrs.) Mojisola Meranda, described taxation as the lifeblood of governance, stressing that responsible revenue generation remains critical to the delivery of good governance and sustainable development.
She explained that the proposed bill aims to eliminate duplication, confusion and the challenge of multiple taxation which over the years, have posed serious concerns to residents, businesses and investors operating within Lagos State.
Dissecting the overview of the bill, the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Noheem Adams stated that the bill has twelve clauses and a schedule to clarify tax processes and as well, repeal outdated tax laws and clarify tax collection responsibilities.
He stated that the implementation of the Law would significantly improve public confidence in the tax system, enhance the State’s internally generated revenue and create a more business-friendly environment capable of attracting investments and supporting economic growth across the State.
Stakeholders at the public hearing were given the opportunity to make contributions and recommendations on the proposed legislation.
Contributing, the Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Abayomi Oluyomi stated that administration of taxes has been consolidated where people can pay their taxes voluntarily and as well, hold the government accountable for their taxes.
Giving its total support to the bill, the President of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, Mr. Innocent Ohagwa, ably represented by the Deputy Vice President of the Institute, Dr. Titilayo Enitan Fowokan, stated that the Institute is the foremost professional body that regulates the prices of taxation in Nigeria and, as such, the usage of this modern technology will improve the efficiency and transparency of tax collection.
Other stakeholders at the public hearing, including representatives of government agencies, the organized private sector, professional bodies, market associations and members of the public, were also given the opportunity to make contributions and recommendations on the proposed legislation.
Responding to the observations raised by the stakeholders, Hon. Meranda assured them that their inputs would be added to the final copy of the Bill.
She further stated that public who wish to submit their memoranda on the Bill can send a soft copy to the Committee by email financecommittee@lagoshouseofassembly.gov.ng or forward a hard copy to the Office of the Clerk of the House till Friday, 15th May 2026.
