Tax reform bill: CITN urges FG to absorb its recommendations

By Henry Uche

The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) has called on the Federal Government to consider its recommendations regarding the controversial Tax Reform Bill and other Economic Stabilisation Bills. This comes as its members, both in the public and private sectors, including those in the National Assembly, are set to make professional contributions to ensure the success of the bills as tax experts.

The 16th President and Chairman in Council of CITN, Mr. Samuel Agbeluyi, made the appeal during the fellowship conferment ceremony for 532 members of the Institute held in Lagos. Agbeluyi said, “While it is true that CITN’s contribution to policy dialogue has been invaluable in recent years, particularly in supporting the recommendations of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, concerns remain about certain areas in the current Economic Stabilisation Bills under consideration, particularly in the way professionalism in tax administration is being construed.

“As Fellows, you are now senior ambassadors of CITN’s mission and values, upholding the principles of accountability, transparency, and professionalism in the taxation system in Nigeria. This role calls for excellence, not only in your individual capacities or workplaces, but also as leaders, mentors, and advocates for a robust and equitable tax system that can serve as a pillar of our nation’s economic growth and sustainability.”

The CITN president emphasised that the Institute is not merely an organisation but a united assembly of tax experts with multidisciplinary backgrounds, trained to serve Nigeria and its stakeholders. As such, the Institute has suggested corrections to the identified gaps and is hopeful that the government will give due consideration to its recommendations, as it has consistently done in the past.

“Council will be relying on your wealth of knowledge in developing the tax profession in Nigeria, whilst advising the government and private sector clients and employers on critical taxation and fiscal policy issues,” he affirmed.

For the Chairman of the Membership and Professional Conduct Committee, Mrs. Titilayo Eni-Itan Fowokan, the senior members of the Institute must inspire and mentor the next generation of tax professionals while upholding the integrity and values that define the noble profession.

She encouraged them to remain committed to excellence, noting that the fellowship conferment marks the beginning of a new chapter of greater responsibilities, leadership, and contribution to the tax profession and Nigeria at large. “You must contribute immensely to tax reforms, policy advocacy, and the development of a robust tax system in Nigeria. You are not only custodians of professional standards but also key players in ensuring that our tax system is efficient, transparent, and fair,” she admonished.

Speaking after his conferment, the Head of Tax Planning & Strategy at Nigeria LNG Ltd, Mr. Nonye Ugwuegbu, acknowledged the significance of becoming a Fellow of CITN, describing it as a call to higher responsibilities, both to the Institute and his organisation.

“The expectations are higher. The level of professionalism required for the execution of any task has also been elevated. The level of competence and integrity is also higher.

“A Fellow of CITN is a custodian and preserver of the values of the Institute and the profession. We are required to nurture and encourage young professionals within the Institute. Again, integrity is required at all times,” he added.