LASG trains workers on tax law, revenue reforms

The Lagos State Government has initiated a two-day training program for public servants on the implications of Nigeria's new tax law. This initiative aims to harmonize revenue collection systems, eliminate duplication, and strengthen the use of technology and data in tax administration.

The training, organized by the Ministry of Establishments and Training in collaboration with PricewaterhouseCoopers, focuses on equipping civil servants, revenue officers, and finance professionals with the knowledge needed to implement the new tax regime and enhance revenue administration. The program's theme, “Strategic Implications of the New Nigerian Tax Law,” covers tax reforms, revenue harmonization, technology adoption, and data-driven governance.

Odubusola Abidakone, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Establishments and Training, emphasized that the reforms offer an opportunity for public servants to improve compliance, transparency, and efficiency. She urged participants to become advocates for tax awareness and accountability within the public service, stating, “As public servants, it is our responsibility to understand the strategic implications of the new tax law and ensure that our institutions remain compliant, transparent and efficient.”

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As public servants, it is our responsibility to understand the strategic implications of the new tax law and ensure that our institutions remain compliant, transparent and efficient.

Abdul-Kabir Ogungbo, Special Adviser to the Governor on Taxation and Revenue, highlighted the state's restructuring of revenue administration through the Lagos Revenue Portal. This centralized platform aims to streamline billing, payments, reconciliation, and reporting, addressing challenges posed by fragmented systems and disconnected databases. "Harmonisation is necessary to ensure a seamless experience for taxpayers and improve efficiency across government agencies," Ogungbo stated. He noted that over 80 percent of the state's revenue-generating agencies are already integrated into the portal, with ongoing efforts to deepen integration between state and local government revenue systems.

Experts at a panel session stressed the growing importance of technology, artificial intelligence, and integrated databases in modern tax administration. They called for dismantling data silos, improving information sharing, and adopting technology-driven systems to enhance revenue collection and public service delivery.

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Harmonisation is necessary to ensure a seamless experience for taxpayers and improve efficiency across government agencies.