CITN Urges New Tax Professionals to Drive Positive Fiscal Policy Reforms

The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) has called on newly inducted tax professionals to play an active role in shaping the nation’s fiscal policy direction. The charge was given during the institute’s recent induction ceremony for associate members held in Lagos.

CITN President, Mr. Samuel Agbeluyi, emphasized that tax practitioners must go beyond compliance to serve as catalysts for positive change in Nigeria’s economic landscape. He tasked the 283 newly inducted members with applying their expertise to advocate for balanced tax policies that support both revenue generation and economic development.

The institute outlined several key areas where tax professionals can contribute to fiscal policy improvement. These include active participation in government technical committees, development of strategies to expand the tax net, and promotion of transparent tax administration processes. Professionals were also encouraged to focus on policies that stimulate SME growth and sector-specific incentives.

As part of its capacity-building initiatives, CITN announced plans to establish a Young Tax Professionals Network. This platform will foster policy-oriented research and position emerging professionals as thought leaders in fiscal matters. The move aligns with the institute’s broader mandate to develop a tax system that supports national development goals.

Representatives from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) present at the event welcomed the initiative, noting the importance of collaboration in improving Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio, which currently lags behind regional benchmarks.

The induction ceremony featured technical sessions addressing contemporary issues such as digital taxation, provisions of the Finance Act 2024, and strategies for enhancing voluntary compliance. New members were reminded of the importance of maintaining professional ethics while driving innovation in tax practice.

With Nigeria’s ongoing tax reform initiatives and the pressing need to boost non-oil revenue, CITN’s directive positions tax professionals as critical stakeholders in shaping the nation’s fiscal future. The institute has established mechanisms to monitor and evaluate members’ contributions to policy development through its professional development framework.