By Moses Nosike

Modo Ante, a pioneer consultancy firm which specializes in Governance, Public Sector, and Political Consulting, has pledged its dedication to leveraging technology and innovative strategies to optimize revenue generation for governments and the Private Sector partners.

The firm gave the pledge at a two-day summit tagged Eko Revenue Plus Summit, held at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos, on November 26 and 27, 2024. The event brought together policymakers, thought leaders, and private sector stakeholders to explore new revenue streams and innovative approaches to revenue generation. Anchored by Modo Ante in collaboration with the Lagos State Government, the summit served as a platform for robust discussions on the role of technology and innovation in addressing fiscal challenges and enhancing public service delivery.

In his keynote address, Lagos State Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu advocated for broader revenue strategies in the State beyond taxation, including optimizing State-owned assets and creating new economic opportunities that Eko Revenue Plus Summit would identify. He urged the private sector to partner with the State under the PPPs in creating innovative revenue solutions, particularly in real estate, waste management, and technology and how to hold the government accountable for revenue. According to him, these three identified areas have enormous revenue potentials that are not yet fully tapped.

The Governor underscored the importance of technology as a critical tool for modern governance and revenue optimization. He emphasized the State’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve by embracing innovative solutions to manage its growing urban population and expanding economy.

“The Lagos State Government has consistently demonstrated leadership in adopting cutting-edge technology to drive development and improve revenue collection,” Sanwo-Olu stated. He cited the ongoing deployment of digital tools such as the Lagos State Unified Revenue Portal, which has simplified tax collection processes and improved transparency, as an example.

During his recap of proceedings, Mr. Abdul-Kabir Opeyemi Ogungbo, Special Adviser to the Governor on Taxation and Revenue, presented a detailed roadmap for sustainable revenue growth in Lagos State. He highlighted the State’s achievements in widening the tax net and implementing data-driven policies to improve compliance.

“Our success stems from our ability to innovate and deploy intelligent systems that simplify revenue collection while ensuring accountability,” Ogungbo noted. He cited the state’s partnership with private sector technology firms in developing analytics tools that identify untapped revenue sources.

Ogungbo called on other States in Nigeria to emulate Lagos by prioritizing investments in technology and capacity building. “Revenue generation in the 21st century requires a shift from traditional methods to a more data-centric approach. The Lagos example is a template that can be replicated across the country,” he asserted.

In his remarks, Bamijoko Okupe, CEO of Modo Ante and co-convener of the summit, delivered a powerful speech highlighting the consultancy’s mission to transform governance and public sector performance through innovation and growth strategies.

Okupe expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Government for partnering with Modo Ante on the summit and commended the leadership of Governor Sanwo-Olu for prioritizing technology-driven governance. “The Eko Revenue Plus Summit has proven that when government and private sector stakeholders collaborate, the possibilities for revenue generation and sustainable development are limitless,” he said.

Reiterating Modo Ante’s commitment, Okupe outlined the consultancy’s three-pronged approach to revenue optimization: Harnessing technology for efficiency, developing customized digital solutions to improve tax compliance, enhance public service delivery, and engender transparency. The Company will keep advising governments on initiatives that incentivize private sector investment while creating sustainable revenue streams. Okupe emphasized the critical role of data analytics and economic modelling in solving complex governance challenges. “At Modo Ante, we believe in the power of data to guide decision-making. Our goal is to provide actionable insights that drive growth and create value for all stakeholders,” he explained.

Okupe stressed the importance of continuous dialogue and knowledge sharing to sustain the momentum generated by the summit. “The Eko Revenue Plus Summit is not just an event; it is the beginning of a movement. Together, we can build a future where technology and innovation drive inclusive growth and prosperity,” he declared.

The success of the Eko Revenue Plus Summit underscores the growing recognition of technology and innovation as indispensable tools for governance and economic development. Modo Ante’s pivotal role in organizing the summit and its commitment to transformative solutions solidify its position as a leader in the consulting space.