Be compliant with tax laws, CITN charges professionals

The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) has issued practising licence certificates to a new set of tax professionals, charging them to uphold the highest standards of ethics, professionalism and technical competence in the discharge of their duties.

Speaking during the presentation ceremony held at the Tax Professionals’ House in Lagos, the President and Chairman of Council of CITN, Mr. Innocent C. Ohagwa, urged the practitioners to remain fully compliant with tax laws and regulations while adhering to the institute’s core values of Service, Teamwork, Excellence and Professionalism (STEP).

He said the issuance of practising licences underscores the institute’s commitment to ensuring that taxation remains a regulated profession practiced only by qualified and certified individuals.

Ohagwa described the event as a significant milestone for the institute and the recipients, noting that the licences represent formal recognition of the practitioners’ competence and their admission into the legally recognised community of tax professionals in Nigeria.

He congratulated the newly licensed practitioners for meeting the stringent requirements prescribed by the institute, adding that they had now been formally inducted into the roll of licensed tax practitioners authorised to practice taxation in the country.

According to him, while the licence confers professional privileges, it also comes with significant responsibilities.

“The award of the CITN practising licence represents a defining moment in your career. However, with this privilege comes a weighty responsibility. Council expects that, in the conduct of your practice, you will be guided at all times by the provisions of the Institute’s Charter, the Professional Rules and Practice Guidelines and the Statements of Taxation Standards,” he said.

He warned that the institute would not hesitate to sanction members found guilty of professional misconduct, stressing that its Investigating Panel and Disciplinary Tribunal remained committed to protecting the integrity of the profession.

Ohagwa said the ceremony was taking place at a critical moment in Nigeria’s fiscal history, particularly with the implementation of recent tax reforms that have strengthened the role of professional tax practitioners.

He referenced provisions of the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025, which recognise accredited tax agents certified by professional bodies as representatives of taxpayers before relevant authorities.

According to him, the reforms align with the institute’s statutory mandate and create greater opportunities for licensed practitioners within the nation’s tax administration framework.

The CITN president also stressed the importance of continuous professional development, describing participation in the institute’s training programmes as mandatory.

“The tax landscape is evolving rapidly and your technical competence must remain current, relevant and responsive to emerging fiscal realities,” he said.

Earlier, Chairman of the Membership and Professional Conduct Committee of CITN, Dr. Yemi Sanni, described the occasion as a transition from professional qualification to professional practice.

Sanni said the practice licence symbolises competence, integrity, accountability and commitment to the highest standards of professional conduct.

“The practice licence being presented today is far more than a certificate. It is a symbol of competence, integrity, accountability and commitment to the highest standards of professional conduct,” he said.

He noted that tax practitioners play a strategic role in economic development by promoting voluntary tax compliance, supporting businesses, advising governments and contributing to sustainable national growth.

According to him, the profession has become even more critical amid rapid technological advancements, evolving tax laws and increasing regulatory scrutiny.

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