Hamzat Vows To End Road Extortion By ‘Agbero,’ Streamline Taxes In Lagos

Lagos State Deputy Governor and All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, Obafemi Hamzat, has pledged to end unauthorised levies and roadside collections in the state if elected governor in 2027.

Hamzat made the commitment on Thursday while speaking on The Platform, an Independence Day programme organised by Covenant Christian Centre.

He said his administration would ensure that businesses in Lagos are protected from arbitrary charges and know exactly what taxes and levies they are required to pay.

According to him, any levy that is unauthorised, untraceable or not recognised by government would be removed.

Hamzat said there should be no situation where individuals stand at road junctions to collect money from businesses, motorists or other residents.

He stressed that businesses must have clarity about their financial obligations to government so they can plan their operations and budgets effectively.

The deputy governor also proposed the establishment of an economic council that would coordinate with local governments, noting that both levels of government serve the same residents and businesses.

He said greater coordination would help prevent multiple collections and make the tax system more transparent.

“Nobody should stand at junctions to collect anything from anybody,” Hamzat said.

He added that once a business has paid the required levy, it should not be subjected to further unauthorised demands.

Hamzat also said his proposed administration would place greater emphasis on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises through training and capacity building.

He noted that some businesses struggle not necessarily because they lack customers or revenue, but because their owners have limited knowledge of bookkeeping and staff management.

He said the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund was already working with King’s Trust to expand support for businesses.

Hamzat further said improving the business environment would require government to make transportation more efficient and reduce the amount of time Lagos residents spend travelling between their homes and workplaces.

The APC candidate said his broader vision was to make commuting faster and create an environment where businesses could start, survive and grow.

His proposals come as Lagos continues to grapple with concerns over multiple taxes, informal collections and the activities of roadside transport collectors commonly referred to as “agbero”.

Hamzat emerged as the APC’s governorship candidate in May after winning the party’s primary election and is seeking to succeed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in 2027.