Outgoing President and Chairman of Council, Mr. Samuel Agbeluyi, has urged tax professionals across the country to consistently uphold the highest standards of excellence, integrity, accountability, transparency and probity in their work, regardless of where they serve in the world.
He gave the charge at the 33rd Annual General Meeting of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) held in Lagos.
Speaking during his final official engagement as CITN’s leader, Agbeluyi expressed strong support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration, acknowledging the tough but necessary decisions taken so far and their potential to transform Nigeria’s economy.
“Tax reforms would change the face of the economy for good. When assented, we must implement it to the letter. We commend the National Assembly. I believe President Tinubu meant well for Nigerians. He took tough decisions, and if policies are properly implemented, Nigerians would have cause to smile,” he affirmed with conviction.
Reflecting on his tenure, Agbeluyi highlighted the significant progress made under his leadership in strengthening the tax profession’s impact on national development. He also expressed unwavering confidence in his successor, Mr. Innocent Ohagwa, describing him as capable and ready to lead the Institute to even greater achievements. “My successor should be himself. He has more than enough to deliver. He has the capacity, competency, and capability to take the Institute to greater heights.
Together, we have made remarkable strides, and with your continued support, CITN will soar to new pinnacles under the new presidency and beyond,” he said.
Taking the mantle, President-elect Ohagwa called on tax professionals to perform their duties with unwavering honesty and dedication. He stressed the critical role taxation plays in any economy and the imperative of maintaining the profession’s integrity. “We should simply work in line with set standards. Taxation affects everyone. We should be diligent and professional in everything we do. We have a profession to protect and a country’s image to promote,” he emphasized.
This clarion call by CITN’s leadership reaffirms the essential role tax professionals play in shaping Nigeria’s economic destiny through commitment to ethical practice and professional excellence.