Sanwo-Olu: Lagos will do more for residents if allowed to collect VAT

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, says the state will do more for residents if allowed to collect value-added tax (VAT).

The governor said this on Sunday at the 61st Independence Day celebration service, held at the Chapel of Christ The Light, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos state.

Sanwo-Olu had, on September 10, signed the state’s bill on VAT collection into law.

In recent weeks, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has been in a legal tussle with Rivers and Lagos state governments over VAT collection.

However, some states have rallied in support of the FIRS.

Amid the controversy, a court of appeal in Abuja ordered both Rivers and Lagos states to maintain the status quo pending the determination of an appeal filed by FIRS.

“We should ensure there is equity and fairness, and that is why we talk about issues around VAT,” the Lagos state governor said.

“We know and we believe that if Lagos gets more, we would do more. If Lagos can get a lot more, we will do a lot more because that is what we deserve; that is what is expected, that is what is required, and that is what we are committed to.”

“Year in, year out; your government implements over 90 percent of the budget. What it means is that if we have the capacity to get more, we will be able to give more to the citizens.”

He assured citizens that his administration would diligently perform its primary objective and responsibility, which is the security of life and property.

“As a governor, I will do everything with every strength that I have to ensure that we set this state on a path of prosperity because I want every Lagosian to prosper,” Sanwo-Olu added.

“I will ensure that we create a Lagos that will work for the people of the state so that our tomorrow can be better than today.”