The Lagos State Government has announced the commencement of a comprehensive training program designed to enhance revenue collection and boost transparency across all revenue-generating agencies within the state.

This initiative is part of the government’s strategy to address revenue leakages and ensure greater accountability in revenue generation.

The two-week training program, which began on Wednesday, covers all revenue-generating agencies in Lagos State and brings together representatives from various ministries, departments, and agencies responsible for revenue collection.

The primary goal of these training sessions is to equip revenue officials with a comprehensive understanding of key features, such as the QR-Code embedded within the Tax Clearance Certificate, and the Automated Revenue Receipt (ARR).

There is a particular focus on activating the locking feature within the ARR, which enhances the security of the receipt after the provision of services.

The training initiative also serves as an opportunity for the Lagos State Government to inform the public about the importance of obtaining receipts at the point of payment for any Lagos State government services. Additionally, it emphasizes the need to validate receipts through the QR code and ensure that payments are made through approved channels.

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The benefits of this training program for Lagos State include the prevention of counterfeiting, the elimination of touting, preventing duplication of Tax Clearance Certificates and Automated Revenue Receipts, mitigating ARR transfers, curbing revenue leakages, and augmenting the state’s revenue streams.

Mr. Ogungbo Abdul-Kabir, the Special Adviser on Taxation and Revenue, emphasized the state government’s commitment to promoting accountability and transparency in revenue collection processes.

He urged participants to view the training as a mandate to support the state’s developmental goals and cautioned Lagosians to be vigilant against fraudsters posing as revenue agents.

The Special Adviser also advised all payers to avoid patronizing unapproved payment channels to prevent errors in service delivery.

By strengthening revenue collection processes, Lagos State aims to enhance financial integrity and ensure that taxpayers receive fair value while contributing to the growth and prosperity of the state.