By Promise Dera
Copyright nigerianeye
The Lagos State government has successfully recovered N1.5 billion in outstanding taxes from a major commercial bank, thanks to aggressive enforcement measures spearheaded by the Ministry of Justice.
This recovery shows the state’s commitment to plugging fiscal leakages and bolstering public funds amid ongoing economic pressures.
The breakthrough comes as part of a broader crackdown on tax defaulters, facilitated by the establishment of specialized revenue courts at both the High Court and magistrates’ court levels, coupled with a dedicated Revenue Recovery Unit within the Lagos Internal Revenue Service (LIRS).
Officials revealed that pre-action protocol notices sent to numerous companies have prompted swift compliance, with many opting to settle their liabilities voluntarily or through structured payment plans.
Lawal Pedro, Lagos State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, hailed the development during a recent briefing, stating, “Many companies have responded to our pre-action protocol notices and have started paying or made arrangements to pay their outstanding liabilities.”
He added that the enforcement actions against the unnamed bank were executed seamlessly, marking yet another victory in the state’s quest for fiscal accountability.
Pedro further emphasized the role of judicial reforms in accelerating such recoveries, noting, “The establishment of revenue courts… had begun yielding results.”
This initiative is part of a larger push to streamline legal processes, including the proposed Administration of Civil Justice Bill, which aims to resolve cases within 18–24 months, impose stricter rules on adjournments, and levy punitive costs of up to N1 million for frivolous lawsuits.
The recovery arrives at a pivotal time for Lagos, Africa’s most populous city and Nigeria’s economic powerhouse, which relies heavily on internally generated revenue to fund infrastructure, healthcare, and education amid federal funding shortfalls.
“Justice in Lagos is not an abstract ideal but a living reality, shaping governance, protecting rights, and driving inclusive economic growth,” Pedro affirmed.
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