Law Reform Commission Hosts Stakeholder Forum on Advancing Lagos’ Fiscal Sustainability

The Lagos State Law Reform Commission has reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening the State’s fiscal foundation through modern, transparent, and forward-thinking legislation. This commitment was on full display at the Engagement Forum on Advancing the State’s Fiscal Sustainability Through Law Reform, which brought together key stakeholders across Lagos’ fiscal ecosystem to deliberate on pathways for enhanced economic governance and fiscal resilience.

In her welcome remarks, the Executive Secretary, Mrs. Oluyemisi Ogunlola, emphasized that “law reform is a catalyst for fiscal transformation,” stressing the need for Lagos to modernize and harmonize its revenue laws to sustain growth in a rapidly evolving megacity. She also highlighted the importance of digitizing revenue systems, blocking leakages, broadening the tax base, and strengthening inter-agency collaboration to achieve a more efficient fiscal structure.

Delivering the keynote address, the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), reiterated the Lagos State Government’s commitment to promoting good governance through efficient and robust legal frameworks. He noted that a sound legal foundation is crucial for effective revenue management and fiscal accountability, emphasizing the ongoing partnership between the Ministry of Justice, the Law Reform Commission (LAWRECOM), and the Office of the Special Adviser on Taxation and Revenue in driving meaningful reforms.

Also speaking at the event, the Special Adviser on Taxation and Revenue, Mr. Abdul-Kabir Opeyemi Ogungbo, described fiscal sustainability as “the lifeblood of effective governance.” He underscored the need for well-crafted laws and forward-looking regulatory reforms to secure Lagos State’s economic future, noting that sustainable fiscal practices are essential to maintaining the State’s developmental momentum and improving service delivery to residents.

The Guest Speaker, Professor Emmanuel E. Okon, Director of Research at the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, further emphasized that “fiscal sustainability begins with legal sustainability,” highlighting the indispensable role of strong legal and institutional frameworks in supporting modern fiscal policy. The engagement, held at the State Treasury Office (STO) Resource Center, Alausa, Ikeja, on Monday, October 20, 2025, aligns with the THEMES+ Agenda and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), reinforcing Lagos State’s commitment to building a transparent, accountable, and future-ready fiscal system. The Commission pledged to continue engaging, collaborating, and innovatingbecause Lagos must not only grow; it must lead.