Lagos State Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement has organised a one-day Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Forum to strengthen collaboration between government and the business community.
Eko Hot News reports that the forum, themed “Beyond Commerce: Building Our Lagos Tomorrow Today,” was held at ASSBIFI Hall in Ikeja. The event brought together Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), corporate leaders, and policy experts to discuss how enterprise growth can support sustainable community development in Lagos State.
Delivering the keynote address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Dr. Afolabi Abiodun Tajudeen, explained that the engagement was not designed to introduce new tax obligations for businesses.
He stated that the forum was created to build structured engagement between the government and the private sector while opening opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships.
According to him, the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement was established to strengthen interaction between government institutions and citizens through platforms that encourage dialogue and shared responsibility.
Dr. Tajudeen noted that the CSR Forum reflects the office’s mandate by providing a credible platform where the private sector can contribute ideas that help shape public policy and governance.
He further explained that businesses with structured CSR initiatives may benefit from higher tax rebates, reinforcing the state government’s commitment to supporting enterprise growth.
The Special Adviser added that the office remains committed to bridging communication gaps between government and stakeholders while bringing policies closer to communities.
He assured participants that the government is ready to work with MSMEs in designing practical and measurable CSR frameworks that support business expansion and community development.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Engr. Sholabomi Shasore, described MSMEs as the “heart of the economy.”
She explained that MSMEs play a vital role in employment creation and daily economic activities across Lagos State.
Shasore noted that the forum was specifically designed to engage enterprise owners as key partners in governance and development.
She added that the office aims to create structured platforms where residents and businesses can interact with the government and contribute to policy development.
The Permanent Secretary also encouraged participants to collaborate with the Lagos State Government in shaping the future of the state through responsible business practices and civic participation.
She assured stakeholders that the government remains committed to creating a supportive business environment through regulatory reforms and stronger collaboration among government agencies.
Shasore highlighted ongoing partnerships with institutions such as the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives and the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund aimed at supporting enterprise development.
She noted that CSR initiatives provide an additional pathway for businesses to contribute to community development while strengthening partnerships with the government.
During the technical session, CSR and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) expert Mr. Kingsley Kezinibe emphasised the importance of structured CSR strategies in corporate governance.
He encouraged companies to integrate social impact initiatives into their corporate planning and support the communities where they operate.
Kezinibe commended the Lagos State Government for creating platforms that promote collaboration between businesses and public institutions.
Another session focused on the Electronic Fiscal System Regime and e-invoicing introduced under the Nigeria Tax Reform Acts 2025.
Tax technology specialist Ms. Oluwakemi Gbadebo of KPMG explained e-invoicing procedures and compliance requirements for MSMEs operating within the evolving fiscal framework.
She highlighted how digital systems can improve transparency, operational efficiency, and tax compliance for businesses.
During the interactive session, participants raised concerns about bureaucratic processes when engaging with government agencies and sought further clarification on e-invoicing implementation.
Officials from the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement assured stakeholders that feedback from the forum would guide ongoing policy refinement and inter-agency coordination.
The forum concluded with a renewed call for sustained collaboration between government institutions and the private sector.
Participants were encouraged to view Corporate Social Responsibility as a strategic investment that promotes social cohesion, strengthens brand reputation, and supports shared prosperity in Lagos State.
