Former Minister of Works Babatunde Fashola has advised Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to reduce taxes and levies in the state to alleviate the economic hardship faced by residents. Speaking at the 18th edition of the Lagos executive and legislative parley on Friday, Fashola commended the government’s initiatives but emphasized the need for further measures to provide relief.
“The Lagos state government deserves to be commended for the feeding initiative and for also reducing the cost of transportation in the state; this is commendable and I applaud Gov. Sanwo-Olu,” Fashola said.
He suggested that reducing levies and taxes would help ease the burden on residents during the current economic situation. Fashola recalled a similar approach during the Ebola crisis when the government suspended the Consumption Tax at the request of the Association of Tourism and Hotel Owners.
“These are some of the ways we can bring relief to the people of Lagos state. It is important to increase the quantum of money for disposal. There must be a balance in governance,” he stated.
Fashola also emphasized the importance of wealth redistribution to support small business owners across the state. He urged the government to engage with small businesses in all senatorial districts through town hall meetings to understand their needs and demands.
“We must meet with small businesses across the senatorial districts, and the state legislature should hold town hall meetings to understand their needs and demands. We have more money in the hands of the people; we need to roll out public works in construction, supply, etc. We need to find a way to redistribute wealth,” Fashola advised.
