•Governors confirm participation
By Henry Uche
The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) has announced that its 27th annual tax conference, themed “Taxation for Development: Policy, Law and Implementation,” will convene from May 12 to 16 at the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Tax professionals will explore critical areas including “Tax Laws and Administration,” the “Challenges of Compliance,” “Tax Reforms and Expectations of Subnational Governments,” as well as “Tax Practice in Nigeria: Balancing Professionalism and Ethics” and “Taxation and Stakeholder Engagement: Ensuring Accountability, Transparency, and Sustainable Practices.”
CITN President and Council Chairman Mr. Samuel Agbeluyi confirmed that Plateau State Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi A. Sule, among others, have pledged to attend. Addressing journalists in Lagos, Agbeluyi urged, “Political leaders, tax professionals, public finance and accounts officers across the country” to participate “for a cross-pollination and fertilization of ideas on tax issues, and a way forward to manage tax revenue for the good of citizens.”
Highlighting the broader economic context, he advised both federal and state governments “to be prudent in their spending amidst current economic challenges,” and encouraged them to consider the pending Tax Reform Bill. “The Tax Reform Bill, when assented, can change the fortune of Nigeria’s economy. But the states would benefit more,” he said.
Beyond policy discussions, the conference will feature a sports carnival, hospitality exercises on arrival, and a gala night finale. “We have designed the confab to engage participants in recreational activities to keep body and mind fit and proper to carry out tasks ahead,” Agbeluyi noted. He also stressed the event’s regional importance: “We are expecting political leaders across the three tiers of government, public finance and account personnel, and other tax professionals in attendance, as well as participants from Senegal, Ghana, and Benin Republic.”
Dr. Adeyemi Sanni, Chairman of the Conference Committee, assured delegates that “security has been beefed up for the safety of every participant,” and expressed confidence in the event’s impact. “Everything is set for the success of this conference,” he affirmed.