The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) underscored the critical link between prudent tax revenue utilization and enhanced voluntary tax compliance during the investiture of Dr. Caroline Ndubuisi as the sixth National Chairperson of the Society of Women in Taxation (SWIT). CITN President, Mr. Samuel Agbeluyi, emphasized that responsible management of tax funds fosters trust among taxpayers, encouraging them to fulfill their obligations willingly and consequently reducing the administrative burden and cost of tax collection. This principle resonates deeply within the current Nigerian context, where low compliance rates and high collection costs pose significant challenges to revenue mobilization. The investiture ceremony itself served as a testament to CITN’s commitment to inclusivity and the advancement of women in the tax profession, further solidifying the institute’s role in shaping the future of taxation in Nigeria.
Agbeluyi highlighted CITN’s active involvement in shaping government tax policy, particularly referencing the 2023 Presidential Committee on Tax Reforms, which included several CITN members, further solidifying the institute’s influence. He expressed optimism about the imminent passage of tax reform bills, anticipating the President’s signature and the subsequent implementation phase. CITN pledged to take a leading role in this implementation, advocating for the judicious use of tax revenue for the benefit of the populace. This commitment to transparency and accountability in tax administration reflects CITN’s understanding that public trust is essential for achieving sustainable revenue growth and fostering a culture of voluntary compliance. Agbeluyi’s remarks come at a crucial juncture for Nigeria’s fiscal landscape, where enhancing tax revenue is paramount for national development.
The appointment of Dr. Ndubuisi as SWIT National Chairperson marks a significant milestone, not only for the Society but also for the broader representation of women in leadership positions within the tax profession. Dr. Ani Odunayo, Chairperson of the Investiture Planning Committee, praised SWIT’s legacy of empowering women in taxation and expressed confidence in Ndubuisi’s leadership, anticipating continued growth and influence under her stewardship. This emphasis on gender inclusivity signals a progressive shift within the profession, recognizing the valuable contributions of women and promoting their advancement to leadership roles.
Dr. Ndubuisi’s extensive credentials, including two doctoral degrees and fellowships in various international institutes, combined with her experience as Chairperson of CITN’s ICT Committee and National Vice Chairperson of SWIT, position her as a highly qualified leader. Her advocacy for modernizing Nigeria’s tax systems and promoting women’s leadership aligns seamlessly with SWIT’s mission and the broader goals of CITN. Her acceptance speech reinforced her commitment to these principles, envisioning a future for SWIT built on advocacy, excellence, broader reach, and strategic partnerships.
The investiture ceremony also featured a keynote address by Mrs. Olufunke Baruwa, Chair of the Nigerian Women Trust Fund, who explored the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in tax administration. Baruwa emphasized AI’s capacity to automate processes, enhance compliance, and promote inclusive economic growth, highlighting its potential to address some of the challenges facing Nigeria’s tax system. This focus on technological advancements underscores the forward-thinking approach of CITN and its commitment to leveraging innovation for more efficient and effective tax administration.
The event, chaired by Prof. Robert Boroffice, Deputy Majority Leader in the Senate, further emphasized the importance of efficient taxation for national development. His presence and address underlined the government’s recognition of CITN’s crucial role in shaping tax policy and practice. The convergence of these key figures and the focus on strategic issues, including technology and gender inclusivity, underscores the significance of this event within the context of Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to reform and strengthen its tax system. The investiture of Dr. Ndubuisi, combined with the emphasis on prudent revenue management and technological advancements, signals a positive trajectory for the future of taxation in Nigeria.
