LAGOS — The state government will be able to do more for residents if allowed to collect value-added tax (VAT), according to the Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The governor made his point on Sunday at the 61st Independence Day celebration service, held at the Chapel of Christ The Light, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos state.
The FIRS has been embroiled in a legal tussle over VAT collection with the Lagos and Rivers state government in the past few weeks.
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.
However, Sanwo-Olu maintained that to ensure equity and fairness in the country, the controversy surrounding the collection of VAT must be resolved.
“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.
“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,” Sanwo-Olu added.
- Breaking: Ohanaeze President General, George Obiozor, confirmed dead - December 28, 2022
- US to support NDLEA on improved intelligence gathering capacity - December 27, 2022
- Why diversified HIV/AIDS prevention tools matter for women - December 26, 2022
