The Federal Government must explore new and innovative ways of expanding the tax base and ensure Nigerians do not see taxes as an additional burden, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said.

The governor insisted that governments at all levels must introduce a tax system that fosters a business environment that allows the economy to thrive.

He submitted that a tax system that is transparent and efficient will empower Nigerians to be active participants in nation-building and foster a sense of shared responsibility.

The governor, who stated this opening of the 26th annual tax conference of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) in Abuja, noted that the Institute’s commitment to professional excellence and education is instrumental in ensuring a tax system that is fair, efficient, and promotes economic development.

He added: “By ensuring a system that is transparent, efficient, and fosters a sense of shared responsibility, we can unlock Nigeria’s true economic potential. The CITN plays a vital role in fostering this vital shift.”

Sanwo-Olu maintained that a thriving tax system is not just about collecting revenue, but about empowering Nigerians to be active participants in nation-building.

He noted that streamlining state-level taxes and the focus on integrating the growing remote workforce into the tax net are commendable initiatives by the Federal Government is a commendable step.

He charged the Institute to chart a way for a brighter future, one where a robust tax culture fuels sustainable economic growth and propels Nigeria towards a future of shared prosperity.

He further noted that choosing, ‘Sustainable Tax Culture and Economic Roadmap for Nation Building,” as a theme demonstrates how much the institute appreciates the challenges Nigeria is facing at this time and the desirability of finding a way to boost government revenue.

“The choice of this theme could not be more timely or more important especially as Nigeria, like many other nations, is facing significant economic challenges, whilst building a strong and sustainable future through a robust tax system that fosters economic growth and development, could not be overemphasized,” he noted.

The Lagos state governor stated that building a sustainable tax culture, requires concerted efforts on the part of the government, to be transparent, accountable, and efficient in tax administration, adding, that taxpayers need to see that their contributions are being used effectively for public services and infrastructural development.”

On the part of the taxpayer, Sanwo-Olu observed that there is a need to be a shift in mindset.

He explained: “Paying taxes should not be seen as a burden but as an investment in our collective future. We must all understand the crucial role taxes play in building a better Nigeria for ourselves and for generations to come.”

He further stressed that the theme highlights the need for a clear economic roadmap that should take note of the architecture of Nigeria’s developmental ideologies as they are designed to provide the government with the necessary resources to cater to the social needs of its citizens, adding that Nigeria needs a tax system that incentivizes investment, job creation, and economic diversification.