Economic hardship: Reduce taxes, levies, Fashola advises Sanwo-Olu 

Babatunde Fashola, former minister of works, has advised Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor of Lagos, to reduce taxes and levies collected in the state.

Fashola, who spoke on Friday at the 18th edition of the Lagos’ executive and legislative parley, said the reduction of levies would limit the burden of the economic hardship on the residents. 

“The Lagos state government deserves to be commended for the feeding initiative and for also reducing the cost of transportation in the state; this is commendable and I applaud Gov. Sanwo-Olu,” he said.

“I’d like to make additional suggestions. I’d like to advise that, in line with finding succour for residents of our great state with the current economic situation, I think reducing levies and taxes would help.

“There must be a balance. I remember during the Ebola crisis, the Association of Tourism and Hotel Owners approached us (government) then that we should suspend the Consumption Tax, which we did.

“These are some of the ways we can bring relief to the people of Lagos state. It is important to increase the quantum of money for disposal. There must be a balance in governance.”

The former Lagos governor also advised the state to ensure the redistribution of the wealth to reach small business owners.

“We must meet with small businesses across the senatorial districts, and the state legislature should hold town hall meetings to understand their needs and demands,” he said.

“We have more money in the hands of the people; we need to roll out public works in construction, supply, etc. We need to find a way to redistribute wealth.”