CITN seeks accountable utilisation of taxpayers’ money

The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) has called on the government to ensure the effective use of taxpayers’ money for the benefit of the masses.

President of CITN, Adesina Adedayo, said that taxpayers’ morale would be greatly encouraged when tax revenue could be accounted for in terms of programmes that benefit the masses.

He said this during the fourth yearly international academic conference on taxation at Benue State University, Makurdi.

While calling for a sustainable and adequate revenue mobilisation as the hallmark of an effective tax system, he said no nation could achieve development in the absence of adequate revenue to fund programmes and projects.

To achieve an effective tax system, he said challenges on socio-economic development must be addressed with proper accountability of taxpayers money.

He added that the conference was aimed at keeping with the institute’s policy to promote academic research and contribute to research development in Nigeria, especially in the area of taxation and fiscal policy.

In his keynote address, Vice-Chancellor, Benue State University, Prof. Tor Lorapuu, said the theme of the conference ‘Taxation and Socio-Economic Development in Challenging period’ was apt, considering the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 that had affected revenue mobilisation through taxation.

He said despite these challenges, governments at all levels still have the responsibility to ensure socio-economic development.

He revealed plans by the varsity to establish a centre for tax studies, soliciting the collaboration of the CITN.