The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), has conferred 685 members as Fellows of the Institute, calling on the members to eschew unethical conducts and maintain professionalism in the course of discharging their mandates.
The 17th President of CITN, Mr Innocent Ohagwa, made the call at the 2025 Fellowship Conferment ceremony of the Institute in Lagos.
Ohagwa said to attain the rank of Fellow in CITN was no small feat, saying that the distinction was awarded only to those who have consistently demonstrated exceptional commitment to professional, integrity and the advancement of taxation practice and administration in Nigeria.
According to him, the Fellow conferees being ambassadors of the Institute are required to project the Institute positively through ethical conduct and by striving for excellence at all times.
“The rank of Fellow comes a solemn charge to uphold the highest ideals of our profession, to demonstrate technical competence and ethics and professional excellence in the practice of taxation in Nigeria at all times.
“This is even more important as our nation is at a defining moment in its fiscal history. The ongoing tax reforms, indeed represents one of the most robust and decisive shift toward a more efficient, streamlined and technically driven tax administration in Nigeria. The reform is poised to reshape the tax system and redefine how fiscal policy drives national development come January, 2026 and beyond.
“In this context, tax professionals of the CITN remains central to the effective transition of these commendable policy and legal frameworks into actions. Thus, taxation under the current reform landscape demands more efficient, ethical and sound tax professionals. As Fellows and senior ambassadors of the profession, you must lead the way in this regard,” Ohagwa said.
The Chairman, Membership & Professional Conduct Committee, Dr Yemi Sanni said the Institute, since inception, has strived to uphold the highest standard of integrity, knowledge and excellence in the practice of taxation, saying that the conferees have fulfilled the rigorous conditions set by the Council and have demonstrated exemplary professionalism, integrity, and sustained contribution to the Institute.
“The fellowship status of this Institute is not conferred lightly. It is earned through years of diligent practice, continuous learning,. leadership, and active engagement in advancing the objectives of the Institute.
“As you join the fellowship cadre, I urge you to remain steadfast in upholding the values and principles that define our institute – integrity, professionalism, accountability and service. With this recognition comes a higher expectations from Council, from stakeholders and indeed from the public,” Sanni said.
The Registrar/Chief Executive of CITN, Mrs Afolake Oso, said that the Fellowship of the Institute represents the pinnacle of professional recognition within the CITN, saying that it was not merely a title, but a testament to professional excellence, integrity and dedicated service to the advancement of the taxation profession in Nigeria.
“As you receive this honour, I urge you to embrace the accompanying responsibility. Let this moment inspire renewed commitment to mentorship, ethical practice, and professional development. The Institute counts on you to continue championing initiatives that promote compliance, transparency, and accountability within our tax system and economy,” Oso said.
The Special Guest of Honour at the event, Mr Tunde Adaramaja urged the conferees to embrace digitalisation, innovations and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for improved taxation system delivery.
Adaramaja explained the importance of AI, information technology and digitalisation in advancing taxation delivery, saying that AI enhances productivity, reduces risks and costs, while ensuring fast and timely delivery, increased efficiency, reduced workloads among others.
He also urged the tax professionals, particularly the conferees to continually develop their skills and be abreast with new developments in the profession.
READ ALSO: WHO Delivers Japan’s $500,000 Support to Intensify Nigeria’s Cholera Response
US, Nigeria Seal New Security Cooperation Framework After High-Level Washington Talksa
“The world is evolving; AI and digitalisation not only improves taxation outcomes; they create room for efficiency.
“So, let’s come to together to leverage digitalisation/technology for optimum growth and development of the Nigeria taxation system.
About The Author
