Tax Experts Urged to Lead Nigeria’s Fiscal Transformation

Incoming members of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) have been called upon to become strategic drivers of Nigeria’s economic reform, especially through fiscal policy and tax administration.

Speaking during the opening of the CITN’s April 2025 Pre-Induction Orientation Programme in Abuja, the institute’s President, Samuel Agbeluyi, emphasized the growing importance of tax professionals in shaping the country’s financial future.

He described the orientation as more than just a rite of passage for the inductees. “You’re not just joining a professional body—you’re stepping into a role that carries significant responsibility for national development,” he told participants.

Agbeluyi highlighted that Nigeria needs more skilled and ethical tax administrators to build an efficient system, influence government fiscal direction, and provide value to public and private stakeholders alike.

He noted that the CITN’s mandate includes defining the standards of excellence in tax knowledge and practice. “This programme is designed to equip you to meet those standards,” he added.

Mrs. Yetunde Suleiman, Deputy Director at the CITN Tax Academy, also addressed participants, stressing the importance of staying up to date with both local and international trends—particularly as digital transformation reshapes tax systems globally.

She acknowledged challenges facing Nigeria’s tax ecosystem, including evasion, unclear regulations, and high compliance costs, noting that only a steady pipeline of qualified professionals can tackle these issues effectively.

“There’s an urgent need for professionals who can confront these challenges head-on,” Suleiman said. “The knowledge and skills you gain here will position you as reform-minded leaders in tax administration.”

She urged attendees to take the programme seriously, reminding them that the orientation is a key requirement for official induction and future contributions to Nigeria’s fiscal policy landscape.