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The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) is empowering tax auditors from the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) with specialised training in oil and gas sector taxation.
The capacity-building initiative is particularly crucial as the Gambia prepares to begin oil production, with domestic revenue mobilisation being a key priority for the Gambian government.
In a recent press interview with Mr. Ebou Jallow, the Head of Delegation and Deputy Commissioner of the Large Taxpayers Unit at the GRA, he shared the significance of the training. He highlighted that as Gambia approaches the commencement of oil production, it was essential to train auditors beforehand to ensure they are fully equipped to handle the complex taxation issues in the oil and gas sector.
“Considering that donor funding has become more scarce, we recognize the critical importance of this capacity-building exercise,” Mr. Jallow stated. “It will enable us to conduct thorough audits and ensure the proper tax declarations are made. This is not the first time CITN has extended its training to Gambian tax personnel, and we take this training very seriously. We see this partnership within the ECOWAS and AU framework as a valuable opportunity for us to learn from our Nigerian counterparts.”
The training is designed to prepare GRA auditors to scrutinise oil and gas tax records before production begins, ensuring compliance with tax regulations from the outset. Mr. Jallow emphasized that the GRA did not want to wait until oil production begins to start preparing its tax auditors.
“We aim to build the necessary skills and experience now so that our auditors are ready when the oil sector starts contributing to the nation’s economy. We are committed to ensuring our team is fully capable of managing the complexities of the oil and gas sector,” he affirmed.
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The CITN President and Chairman of Council, Mr. also discussed the importance of the collaboration, noting that this marked the fourth time the Institute had trained the GRA in various sectors. This ongoing relationship underscores the trust and confidence that the GRA places in CITN’s expertise.
“It is truly an honor for CITN to be recognized beyond the borders of Nigeria,” Mr. stated. “We are proud to contribute to the development of our West African neighbors, and this partnership is a testament to the value we bring to the table. The success of the previous three training sessions has been evident, and we are optimistic that this latest initiative will have an equally positive impact.”
He further elaborated on the mutual benefits of the collaboration, noting that while the training helps strengthen the GRA’s capacity, it also serves to expand CITN’s own knowledge base. “By training tax auditors from the Gambia, we are not only helping them improve their expertise but also enriching our own understanding of international taxation practices, particularly in the oil and gas sector. The exchange of knowledge benefits both parties and supports the broader development of the tax profession across the region.”
On the topic of Nigeria’s ongoing tax reforms, the CITN President reaffirmed the Institute’s active involvement in the process. He stressed that the reform efforts were critical for the growth of the nation’s economy and that CITN remained committed to supporting these efforts. “We are proud to be part of the tax reform process in Nigeria,” he stated. “These reforms will benefit everyone in the country, and CITN will continue to play a pivotal role in ensuring that Nigeria strengthens its position as a leader in taxation, not just in Africa but on the global stage.”
The capacity-building initiative highlights the importance of regional collaboration and knowledge-sharing in developing robust tax systems across West Africa. By investing in the training of tax auditors in the Gambia, CITN is not only contributing to the success of Gambia’s oil sector but also fostering stronger ties between Nigeria and its West African neighbors. This initiative exemplifies how tax professionals can come together to address the unique challenges of taxation in emerging sectors like oil and gas, benefiting both the local and regional economies.
