Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, has said that it is seeking to start collecting Value Added Tax in the state as a matter of justice and equity.
Besides, Omotoso said, the move was also in the spirit of Lagos’ commitment to true federalism.
He stated this on Wednesday when he was guest on ‘Your View’ on TVC, saying everyone stood to benefit from a Lagos with more funds and other forms of support.
According to the commissioner, Lagos is home to all, with a lot of burden from people and institutions from different parts of the country and beyond.
He said, “I think, instead of raising sentiments, people should try and understand our position and look at things broadly. Lagos is like a giant carrying on its shoulders the burdens of many other entities. Most companies have their headquarters in Lagos because it is the headquarters of commerce. So many residents need the services of the state in all areas of life.
“When the federal capital moved to Abuja, a lot of people were saying Lagos had become an orphan. Now, we have been making a genuine case for a special status for Lagos, and we all know that has not been forthcoming So, anything that everyone can do to encourage Lagos is what it needs.”
Concerning the suggestion that states where much VAT is generated, which are now championing the new regime of its collection, should be their brothers’ keepers, Omotoso said it was a sentiment that could not endure.
“As nice as the position sounds, it is sentimental and superficial. It’s not deep at all. We are saying the main issue is about justice and equity. It is about fairness. Up to 70 per cent of air and sea travels to the country come in through Lagos. We all thus need a Lagos that works very well. If you can fly in into Lagos at 5, 6 or even 7 am, and you can get to your meeting venue on Island by 8, based on the availability of good infrastructure, that is a Lagos that works for all, and the one we should all encourage to fully realise its potential,” Omotoso added.
