As digital economy increasingly evolves, the question before governments and regulators is no longer whether to follow the trend but how to govern effectively in a digitised world, Rasheed Olu-Ajayi, Deputy Director, Information Technology, Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has said.
Speaking at CIO & C-Suite Conference & Awards Africa 2025 with theme: “The Digital Tax Shift” which held recently in Lagos, he said “We are in the midst of a profound redefinition of fiscal systems, one driven by the realities of a rapidly evolving digital economy”.
Olu-Ajayi who spoke on “Redefining Fiscal Policy in an Era of Innovation” said the rise of e-commerce, fintech, virtual assets, mobile payments, and cross-border digital services has blurred traditional lines of taxation and trade.
He said at LIRS, the issue of how to govern in a digitised economy has guided its transformation journey. He said LIRS has made deliberate investments in digital infrastructure, process automation, and data governance to strengthen revenue administration and improve taxpayer experience.
Olu-Ajayi believes that future where fiscal policy will no longer be reactive but intelligent and adaptive—powered by data, shaped by innovation, and anchored on trust. “That future will require continuous investment in human capacity, partnerships across sectors, and an unwavering belief that digital transformation is not a destination but a continuous journey.”
The convener of the conference, Biola Laseinde said the CIO & C-Suite Awards Africa has become more than an event; it is a movement—a powerful engine that has amplified the voices and achievements of tech geniuses who are shaping Africa’s future. “Through every edition, we have told the stories of visionaries who work tirelessly behind the scenes, building infrastructures, systems, and solutions that are steering Africa toward global relevance in technology”, she said.
“ Across the continent, we are witnessing groundbreaking innovation, bold digital policies, and the emergence of leaders who are not just solving today’s problems but designing the future. From fintech to energy, health to agriculture, education to cybersecurity—Africa is building, evolving, and leading”.
