The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) has urged its newly-licensed practitioners to uphold the objectives of the tax reform Acts, ensuring that the reforms translate into measurable outcomes for government, the economy, and the populace at large.

The institute’s President/Chairman of Council, Innocent Ohagwa, said this during the presentation of practising licences to newly-qualified and deserving tax professionals, noting that their role was not merely to advise, but to help build trust in the system, encourage voluntary compliance and ensure that the objectives of the reforms are achieved.

According to him, the success of the reforms would depend largely on how well they are interpreted, implemented, and communicated by all stakeholders.

Noting that the event was both symbolic and significant, Ohagwa said it underscored the high premium that the Council of the Institute places on professionalism, competence, and integrity in the practice of taxation in Nigeria.

He said it was a clear statement of the institute’s resolve that taxation, as a specialised and sensitive profession, must only be practised by individuals who are properly trained and certified.

Furthermore, he said the institute has intensified its engagement with strategic government institutions to ensure that qualified tax professionals are considered as tax agents and also placed in relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
This, Ohagwa said, is critical to strengthening revenue administration, curbing leakages, and supporting the government in achieving its fiscal objectives and value-added service delivery to the general public.

As the sole body chartered by law to regulate taxation practice in Nigeria, the CITN boss warned that the institute would not compromise on ethics, professionalism, or continuous learning, adding that taxation remained a specialised and regulated profession, “and only those with the requisite expertise and certification must be allowed to practise.

“Therefore, Individuals, businesses, and even public institutions will look up to you for guidance. You will be the bridge between policy and practice; between legislation and compliance,” he said.