The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) held its Pre-Induction Orientation Programme in Abuja in April 2025, welcoming a new cohort of aspiring tax professionals. Mr. Samuel Agbeluyi, the President of CITN, addressed the inductees, emphasizing the significance of their chosen profession and its potential to shape Nigeria’s fiscal landscape. He highlighted the crucial role tax professionals play in developing and implementing effective tax policies, contributing to a more robust and efficient tax system. The President underscored that the orientation marked not only a personal milestone for the inductees but also a commitment to contribute to national development. He expressed optimism that the new members would join the ranks of dedicated professionals striving to enhance Nigeria’s tax system and influence fiscal policies for the benefit of all stakeholders.
Agbeluyi reiterated the institute’s mandate, enshrined in its charter, to establish and uphold the standards of knowledge and skills required for tax professionals. He emphasized that the training program was meticulously designed to equip participants with the necessary competencies to excel in tax administration and contribute meaningfully to the Nigerian economy. The carefully curated program featured experienced tax professionals and administrators as facilitators, ensuring a practical and insightful learning experience for the inductees. This approach underscores the institute’s commitment to nurturing a generation of highly skilled tax professionals capable of navigating the complexities of the Nigerian tax system.
Mrs. Yetunde Suleiman, the Deputy Director of the CITN Tax Academy, further elaborated on the program’s objectives. She explained that the training aimed to expose participants to the latest developments in both national and international tax administration, including emerging issues in the increasingly relevant digital economy. Suleiman stressed the centrality of taxation to Nigeria’s economic progress and urged the incoming professionals to approach their training with utmost seriousness, given the persistent challenges plaguing the country’s tax system. She identified tax evasion, ambiguities in tax laws, and high compliance costs as key areas requiring attention.
Suleiman underscored the pressing need for a continuous supply of well-trained and qualified tax professionals to address these multifaceted challenges effectively. She encouraged the participants to actively engage with the training sessions, emphasizing that the knowledge they would acquire would not only equip them to become ambassadors of the institute but also empower them to advocate for and implement reforms within the tax system. The deputy director’s remarks reinforced the significance of the training program in preparing inductees for the responsibilities and challenges that lie ahead in their professional journey.
The orientation program serves as a foundational step towards full membership in the CITN and represents a significant commitment to professional development within the field of taxation. It underscores the institute’s dedication to upholding high professional standards and ensuring that its members are equipped to contribute to the advancement of tax administration in Nigeria. The program also serves as a platform for networking and fostering a sense of community among future tax professionals, encouraging collaboration and knowledge sharing.
This pre-induction orientation sets the stage for the inductees to embark on their careers as tax professionals, armed with the necessary knowledge, skills, and ethical grounding to navigate the intricacies of the Nigerian tax system. It represents an investment in the future of tax administration in Nigeria and reinforces the CITN’s commitment to building a robust and efficient tax system capable of supporting sustainable economic growth. The program’s emphasis on both theoretical and practical aspects of taxation, coupled with the insights shared by experienced professionals, prepares the inductees to become effective agents of change within the tax landscape.
