By Nana Musa
The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) has inducted 1435 new members, urging them to uphold integrity and support ongoing tax reforms.
The 17th President, Mr Innocent Ohagwa, gave the charge at the 54th induction ceremony in Abuja on Thursday.
Ohagwa described the event as a renewal of institutional strength and a call to national service.
He congratulated inductees, noting that their admission marked a new phase of responsibility and professional commitment.
Ohagwa said that Nigeria’s evolving tax system required skilled professionals to guide individuals, businesses and institutions.
He said the recent tax reforms reflected decades of advocacy by the institute.
The President cited provisions of the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025, recognising certified tax professionals as authorised representatives.
According to him, competence, ethics and professionalism are now non-negotiable in tax practice.
Ohagwa urged members to embrace continuous learning and adhere strictly to ethical standards.
The President said that taxation drew from law, finance, accounting and economics, requiring multidisciplinary expertise.
He called on members to support reforms through integrity-driven service to clients and institutions.
He said that disciplinary mechanisms existed to sanction unethical conduct among members.
Ohagwa encouraged the public to report cases of professional misconduct for investigation.
He reaffirmed efforts to enhance the value of CITN certification across public and private sectors.
He described the induction as both a celebration and a call to higher service.
The Chairman, Membership and Professional Conduct Committee, CITN, Dr Yemi Sanni, urged new tax professionals to uphold integrity and support ongoing tax reforms in Nigeria.
Sanni also congratulated inductees, noting their sacrifices and describing the ceremony as a defining career milestone.
He said the induction acquainted members with professional expectations, ethical standards, and practice guidelines of the institute.
According to him, the ceremony formally presents inductees to the business community as certified taxation professionals.
Sanni said that members were equipped with tools to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s tax administration and economic development.
He said that inductees joined at a critical period of sweeping tax reforms introduced in Jan.
He said that the reforms included new administration frameworks, harmonised tax laws, and restructuring of tax authorities.
Sanni urged members to contribute ideas and technical expertise to support taxpayers and authorities during the transition.
According to him, tax professionals play vital roles in revenue mobilisation, investment promotion, and fiscal stability.
He also called for strict adherence to CITN’s code of conduct and continuous professional development.
He said that the evolving tax environment demanded competence, discipline, and high ethical standards.
Sanni described taxation as a key profession driving governance and national development in Nigeria.
He encouraged inductees to actively participate in CITN programmes and contribute to its growth.
The Registrar CITN, Mrs Afolake Oso, urged the new inductees to uphold professionalism and integrity.
Oso said the event marked admission of qualified individuals who met the Institute’s standards.
She said that the institute, which was established in 1982 and chartered in 1992, played a key role in tax administration.
She urged members to familiarise themselves with ethics, standards, and practice guidelines guiding the profession.
Oso said that annual subscription payments were mandatory to retain membership privileges.
She said that prolonged default could lead to sanctions, including delisting.
She encouraged participation in mandatory professional training programmes to enhance competence.
According to her, members must earn at least 35 credit hours annually.
Oso also highlighted opportunities in committees, faculties, and district societies for active engagement.
She encouraged new members to attend conferences and seminars to broaden knowledge.
The registrar said that the institute provides digital platforms for seamless registration and payments.
She said the institute remained committed to advancing taxation through research, training, and policy contributions.
She congratulated the inductees and urged them to contribute to national development through ethical tax practice.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman
