The importance of tax compliance, professionalism and digitisation formed the focus of inauguration of a new district of the Chattered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) in Abuja on Wednesday.
The President of CITN, Adesina Adebayo, while inaugurating the new district called “CITN Kubwa District Society”, said professionalism was key to the success of taxation in Nigeria.
Adebayo, who is also Chairman of Council of CITN, said having proper conduct and adequate knowledge of taxation matters would go a long way in solving some problems faced in tax processes.
He said there “is a need for tax professionals to constantly horn their skills to deliver effectively.”
Mr Olufemi Olamide, Assistant Director and Technical Assistant on Tax Policy to the Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service(FIRS), said it was important for tax professionals to contribute their quota to national development.
He said tax professionals played critical role in helping policy makers take decisions that would be beneficial to the economy.
Olamide, who presented a paper on Role of Tax Professionals in Economic Development, said, the roles of tax professionals cut across helping to reduce tax gap and minimising tax fraud, and evasion among others.
The director said it was high time, “professional bodies collaborate for economic growth rather than competing with one another.”
The Chairman of the newly inaugurated Kubwa District Society, Mr Chimenka Ezeribe, said the expansion of CITN was necessary to impact positively on the society.
While thanking the body for his election and that of his team members, Ezeribe said they would work towards advancing the cause of the institute.
“It is an honour to be a pioneer chairman.
“I am humbled by the fact that I am asked to lead the setting up of a second district in Abuja.
“We will not betray your trust and we will endeavour not to be found wanting while discharging our duties.
“Moreso, the team will work to propagate the message of taxation in Nigeria,” he said.
The highpoint of the event was the formal inauguration of the Kubwa District Society, award presentation and investiture of the district chairman, Mr Chimenka Ezeribe.
The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) is a professional body in Nigeria, whose members are certified as qualified tax practitioners.
