Declining global oil prices and a tumbling naira are threatening Nigeria’s income from exports and remittances. Whoever takes office as president in Abuja, and in the 28 states electing new governors, on 14 February, will need to address this shortfall in government revenue. Fortunately, they need look no further than Lagos, the country’s commercial capital.
Since Nigeria returned to civilian rule in 1999, Lagos State government has reformed taxes on business and property which have provided revenue for sustained improvements in local services and infrastructure.