The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) has endorsed a key provision in the Economic Stabilisation Bill whick seeks to introduce tax agents as intermediaries between taxpayers and revenue authorities—a major policy shift designed to streamline tax collection and boost compliance across the country.
Speaking at the Institute’s 52nd Induction Ceremony in Abuja—the first to be held outside Lagos—Samuel Agbeluyi, CITN President and Chairman in Council, acknowledged the bill’s intent to reform Nigeria’s tax system and strengthen revenue generation.
However, he emphasised that professionalism and regulation must remain central to its implementation.
“This legislative effort is certainly commendable,” Agbeluyi said.
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“But as tax professionals, we have a critical role to play. The Institute is committed to ensuring that taxation remains a specialised and regulated profession, ensuring that only individuals with the required expertise and certification are allowed to practice.”
The Economic Stabilisation Bill, which has already passed the House of Representatives and awaits Senate concurrence, forms a core part of the federal government’s broader fiscal reform agenda.
The bill is the product of recommendations made by the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms.
Agbeluyi revealed that CITN has reviewed the bill and submitted proposals to refine certain provisions that affect tax administration and professionalism.
“We believe that if and when our recommendations are taken into consideration, the Nigerian tax system will be better for it,” he added.
Beyond legislative support, CITN is actively working to raise professional standards within the sector, he said.
The Institute has introduced practitioner identification stamps for tax filings, established an Investigating Panel and Disciplinary Tribunal to handle cases of professional misconduct, and is pushing for the deployment of certified tax professionals in strategic roles across government ministries, departments and agencies.
Agbeluyi also reaffirmed CITN’s commitment to continuous professional and national economic development.
“We remain unwavering in our support to government,” he said. “But we will always advocate for reforms that elevate, not erode, the standards of our profession.”
He warned the inductees against complacency, urging them to hold on to the four core values of the institute, including service, team work, excellence and professionalism (STEP).
Also speaking, Titilayo Eni-Itan Fowokan, chairman, CITN’s Membership and Professional Conduct Committee, underscored the vital role taxation plays in the country’s development trajectory.
“The importance of taxation in national development cannot be overemphasised. As tax professionals, we play a crucial role in ensuring compliance, promoting fiscal responsibility, and contributing to the economic growth of our country,” she said.
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Fowokan told the 1,400 inductees that their knowledge and skills are now tools of national value, essential to navigating and addressing the challenges within Nigeria’s complex and evolving tax landscape.
In his Keynote address, Yusuf Ali, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and Principal Partner, Yusuf O & Co Ghalib Chambers said it was time for Nigeria to begin to rely on taxes, as it will amongst other things, foster accountability, while boosting revenues.
“Taxation enables critizes take leaders to account about how public funds are spent.”
He said continued education in tax administration is critical, however, emphasis must also be laid on
professional ethics, and reward system for compliance.
“People must be encouraged to do the right thing at the right time and be rewared. That is the challenge for the Institute,” he noted.
