Lagos State Deputy Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Obafemi Hamzat, has promised to eliminate unauthorised levies and arbitrary charges imposed on businesses if elected governor in 2027.

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

He said his administration would work to ensure that businesses operating in Lagos have a clear understanding of the taxes, levies and other charges they are required to pay.

According to him, any levy that is not officially authorised or cannot be properly accounted for should be removed.

“What we will do is to make sure that any levy that is unauthorised, that is not known, that even we can’t track, must go,” Hamzat said.

He also opposed the practice of individuals stopping business owners at roadsides or other locations to demand payments, saying such collections should not form part of the state’s revenue system.

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

Hamzat said businesses should be able to determine their financial obligations in advance and plan their budgets accordingly.

He proposed the establishment of an economic council that would coordinate the activities of the state government and local governments, arguing that both levels of administration serve the same residents and businesses.

The APC candidate also promised measures aimed at strengthening small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly through training and business support.

He said many small businesses struggle not necessarily because they lack customers or revenue, but because their owners do not have sufficient knowledge of bookkeeping, staff management and other basic business practices.

“What we have realised is that a lot of SMEs don’t last long, not because they are not making money, but they don’t understand bookkeeping,” he said.

Hamzat added that the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund was already working with King’s Trust to expand support for businesses.

His comments come as concerns over multiple taxation and unauthorised revenue collection remain part of discussions around Lagos’ business environment.

In May, the Lagos State House of Assembly considered legislation aimed at harmonising taxes and levies across the state and restricting revenue collection to authorised government bodies. The proposed framework also sought to prohibit roadblocks for the collection of taxes and levies and promote electronic payment channels.

Hamzat emerged as the APC candidate for the 2027 Lagos governorship election after winning the party’s primary in May.

He has subsequently outlined an agenda focused on job creation, infrastructure, education, healthcare, security and economic development as part of his “My Lagos Dream” vision.