Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has underscored his administration’s commitment to enhancing the state’s revenue through the integration of technology. Speaking at the recently held Eko Revenue Plus Summit in Lagos, the governor noted that the event served as a gathering point for policymakers and private sector leaders to delve into innovative revenue generation strategies. The two-day summit, which was helmed by Modo Ante in collaboration with the Lagos State Government, aimed to foster in-depth discussions about the implications of technology and innovation in tackling fiscal obstacles and improving public service effectiveness.
Modo Ante, a consultancy firm specializing in governance and public sector solutions, outlined its commitment to harnessing technological advancements for optimal revenue generation. During his keynote address, Sanwo-Olu advocated for expanding revenue strategies beyond mere taxation. He emphasized the need to optimize state-owned assets and explore new economic avenues that could surface during the summit discussions. Additionally, he called on the private sector to engage with the state through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to devise creative revenue solutions, particularly focusing on sectors such as real estate, waste management, and technology. According to the governor, these sectors hold untapped revenue potential that could significantly contribute to the state’s fiscal health.
Highlighting the role of technology in governance, Sanwo-Olu expressed his administration’s resolve to adopt innovative methods to manage the rising urban population and growing economy of Lagos. He asserted that the Lagos State Government has consistently led the way in integrating advanced technology to enhance development and improve revenue collection practices. One such initiative he cited was the Lagos State Unified Revenue Portal, which has streamlined tax collection processes and increased transparency in revenue management. This technological approach reflects a larger vision of utilizing data and analytics to foster reliable and efficient systems for fiscal management.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Taxation and Revenue, Abdul-Kabir Ogungbo, presented a comprehensive strategy for sustainable revenue growth, underlining the state’s progress in expanding the tax base and implementing data-driven approaches to enhance compliance. Ogungbo emphasized that the success of Lagos in revenue collection is rooted in its innovative practices and strategic partnerships with private technology firms, which have helped develop analytics tools for identifying untapped revenue sources. He encouraged other states across Nigeria to emulate Lagos by increasing investments in technology and capacity-building initiatives, arguing that modern revenue generation must evolve from traditional models to more data-driven methodologies.
Bamijoko Okupe, the CEO of Modo Ante, shared the firm’s vision of transforming public sector effectiveness through innovation and strategic growth. He expressed gratitude towards the Lagos State Government for their collaboration during the summit, commending Sanwo-Olu’s prioritization of technology in governance. Okupe remarked that the Eko Revenue Plus Summit demonstrated the immense possibilities that arise when government entities and private sector actors work in concert toward revenue generation and sustainable development. He emphasized that Modo Ante would continue to provide advisory services aimed at encouraging private sector involvement while also fostering sustainable revenue frameworks.
In summary, the discussions at the summit highlighted the vital role that technology and innovative practices can play in addressing fiscal challenges faced by Lagos State. The emphasis on data analytics, economic modeling, and public-private partnerships serves to create an environment where revenue generation is more efficient, transparent, and sustainable. By adopting a forward-thinking approach and leveraging the potent capabilities of technology, the Lagos State Government aims to optimize its revenue streams and improve the quality of public services for its growing urban population.
