From N10,100 to N20,100: Rising cost of tax clearance and the threat to secondary school enrollment in Lagos

August 31, 2026

By Yusuf Kolawole

Economist and public affairs analyst

Education is widely regarded as one of the most powerful tools for breaking the cycle of poverty and building a productive society. In Lagos State, where the government has invested heavily in education and human capital development, every policy that affects a child’s ability to enter school deserves careful consideration.

The reported increase in the cost of obtaining tax clearance for children seeking admission into junior secondary school (JSS) and senior secondary school (SSS), from N10,100 to N20,100, represents a 100 percent increase. While tax administration and revenue generation are important responsibilities of government, the unintended consequences of such charges on vulnerable families must not be overlooked.