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By Henry Uche
Certified tax practitioners have been warned that increased monitoring, stricter enforcement and compliance measures are setup, as authorities are now on guard to promote accountability and transparency to clamp down on activities capable of undermining the nation’s tax system.
Speaking at the official presentation of Practice License to 95 certified tax Practitioners by the Chartered Institute of Taxation IN of Nigeria (CITN), a Senior Partner at Kreston Pedabo, Khilian Khanoba, while making presentation on ‘Practicing in Nigeria’s New Tax Ecosystem: Ethics, Digital Competence and Professional Excellence’ admonished the newly licensed practitioners to be cautious of what they do in the at all times as they represent the image of the Institute.
Khanoba advised them to represent their clients with high sense of responsibility, beware of ethical decisions and let public and national interest be there priority.
“You are being watched. You must understand anti -laundering Laws, if you see something, say something and mind how you use the bond of confidentiality. You must beware of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its consequences. You must be honest and of sound judgement” he charged.
On his part, the President/Chairman of Council, Mr. Innocent Ohagwa, revealed that the Institute has engaged strategic government institutions to ensure that qualified tax professionals are considered as Tax Agents and also placed in relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
Ohagwa noted that the engagement is critical to strengthening revenue administration, curbing leakages and supporting government in achieving its fiscal objectives and value added service delivery to the general public.
“You will be guided at all times by the provisions of the Institute’s Charter, the Professional Rules and Practice Guidelines (PRPG) and the Statements of Taxation Standards (STS 1–9). These instruments should be your professional compass at all times.
“You are expected to demonstrate full compliance with extant tax laws and all relevant regulations issued by the relevant constituted authorities, i.e office of the Tax Ombuds and the Joint Revenue Board as well as relevant tax authorities”
CITN boss affirmed that the Institute will not hesitate to apply disciplinary measures where cases of misconduct are reported and established, as its investigating Panel and Disciplinary Tribunal remain vigilant and empowered to protect the integrity of the profession at all times.
“Participation in the Institute’s training programmes is not optional; it is mandatory for all practitioners and members. The tax landscape is evolving rapidly and your technical competence must remain current, relevant and responsive to emerging fiscal realities” he urged.
On his part, the Chairman, Membership and Professional Conduct Committee of the Institute, Yemi Sanni, reminded his colleagues that the practice license is far more than a certificate, but a symbol of competence, integrity, accountability, and commitment to the highest standards of professional conduct.
“This license comes with significant obligations. You are our ambassador and a custodian of the ethical values upon which our profession is built. You are critical partners in nation-building.
“We must continually demonstrate professionalism, independence, objectivity, confidentiality, and unwavering ethical conduct. The credibility of our profession depends not merely on technical competence but also on the integrity with which we discharge our responsibilities” he added.
Meanwhile, doyens in the tax profession during a panel session advice the young practitioners to uphold the virtues of trust at all time no matter whose ox is gored. Practitioners were also encouraged to beware of cyber security and privacy, above all, they must keep developing themselves through training and retraining programs. “Our services are problem solving, so you need to acquire both technical and commercial skills to excel in the profession” they stressed.
