The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) has officially inducted 1,461 new members into its fold, marking a significant milestone in its mission to grow the tax profession and enhance tax administration in the country. The induction ceremony, which was held in Lagos, brought together top industry professionals, government representatives, academics, and other stakeholders in the taxation and finance sectors.
The President and Chairman of Council of CITN, Mr. Samuel Agbeluyi, presided over the 51st Induction Ceremony, which was themed “Navigating the Future of Taxation Through Professionalism and Innovation.” In his keynote address, Mr. Agbeluyi emphasized the importance of professionalism, ethics, and innovation in building a resilient tax system that can support Nigeria’s economic growth and development.
He congratulated the newly inducted members and urged them to uphold the values and standards of the Institute. “This induction is not just a celebration of your academic achievement but also a call to a higher level of responsibility. As chartered tax professionals, you are now ambassadors of tax compliance, integrity, and national development,” Agbeluyi stated.
The CITN president further noted that the increasing demand for skilled tax professionals was a reflection of Nigeria’s evolving tax landscape, especially as the government continues to diversify its revenue base away from oil dependence. He added that the Institute would continue to advocate for tax reforms, policy improvements, and capacity-building to meet the dynamic needs of the economy.
The event also featured a special lecture delivered by an industry expert, focusing on the future of taxation in Nigeria and the need for embracing digital transformation in tax administration. The lecture highlighted the growing impact of technology in areas such as e-filing, tax analytics, and taxpayer education, and how tax professionals must stay ahead of these developments.
According to Agbeluyi, the CITN remains committed to equipping its members with cutting-edge knowledge and skills through continuous professional development programs. He stressed that the Institute will intensify its training offerings and promote strategic partnerships with both public and private sector organizations.
The 1,461 inductees, who successfully completed the Institute’s rigorous academic and professional examinations, were formally admitted into the membership register, thereby becoming recognized tax practitioners under Nigerian law. Among them were tax consultants, accountants, lawyers, finance professionals, and public servants from various sectors of the economy.
Speaking on behalf of the new members, one of the inductees, Mrs. Nneka Eze, expressed gratitude to the CITN for the opportunity and pledged their collective commitment to uphold the values of professionalism, ethical conduct, and service to the nation. “We understand the trust that this membership represents and we are determined to contribute positively to tax compliance and revenue generation in Nigeria,” she said.
The event was also attended by key officials from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), and other regulatory agencies. They commended CITN for its role in enhancing the quality of human capital in Nigeria’s tax system and reiterated their willingness to collaborate with the Institute in achieving national fiscal goals.
The Registrar/Chief Executive of CITN, Mr. Adefisayo Awogbade, described the induction as a strategic move towards bridging the tax knowledge gap in the country. He noted that Nigeria’s complex tax environment requires not only technical expertise but also a strong ethical framework, which the Institute instills in its members through its code of conduct and disciplinary procedures.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Awogbade called on the inductees to contribute to the country’s tax reform efforts by promoting voluntary compliance, assisting businesses in navigating tax challenges, and advising government on tax policy development. He also encouraged them to get involved in community-based initiatives to improve tax literacy and public trust in the system.
The induction ceremony served as a platform for networking, knowledge-sharing, and inspiration, as the Institute continues to build a robust community of tax professionals who are well-prepared to address the challenges and opportunities in Nigeria’s economic landscape.
With this latest induction, CITN’s membership base has grown significantly, further positioning the Institute as a leading authority in taxation in Nigeria and West Africa. As the country intensifies its efforts to improve internally generated revenue and fiscal sustainability, the role of professionally trained tax experts has become more critical than ever.
The CITN reaffirmed its vision to be a world-class professional body, providing exceptional tax education and fostering a culture of accountability and service. It also reiterated its commitment to supporting national development through strategic engagement with stakeholders and consistent promotion of ethical tax practices.
