Abaribe tasks CITN to demand accountability of tax payments

…as Institute inducts 1,435 new members

Enyinnaya Abaribe, senator representing Abia South Senatorial District, has tasked the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) to take up its role as the conscience of Nigeria’s fiscal system and demand accountability for every kobo paid as tax by Nigerians.

Abaribe, who spoke as the guest of honor at the 54th induction ceremony of the institute in Abuja on Thursday, described taxation as the foundation of Nigeria’s development, especially under the tax laws that took effect in January 2026.

Represented by Sunday Katung, senator representing Kaduna South Senatorial District, Abaribe explained that as this new tax regime takes effect, the expectation is that it will widen the government’s revenue base and that every additional naira collected must translate to better roads, schools, hospitals, and a better life for the Nigerian people.

“You are now custodians of that foundation; wear your new status with pride and responsibility. You are coming in at a defining moment when the National Assembly, working with the Executive, has delivered the Nigerian Tax Act 2025, which took effect in January 2026, bringing the most significant reforms we have seen in decades.

“From raising the personal income tax-free threshold to 800,000, to introducing a 4% development levy that replaces multiple taxes, such that our small and medium-scale enterprises—which, by the way, are the real sector in Aba, Onitsha, and Kano—can grow without harassment. These reforms aim to create a simpler, fairer, and more competitive tax system for all Nigerians. As this new tax regime takes effect, our expectation is that it will widen the revenue base of the government and that every additional revenue collected must translate to better roads, better schools, better hospitals, and a better life for the Nigerian people.

“That is the social contract because revenue without impact is extortion. As people often say, I don’t mind paying taxes; I just expect the same efficiency in accountability. But let me be clear: a good law is not enough. A law is only as good as the people who implement it. And that’s where you come in. The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria has a duty beyond issuing certificates. As chartered tax practitioners, you must be the conscience of our fiscal system. Your role is clear,” he said.

He stressed that the institute must commit to educating citizens and businesses about these new laws and speak truth to power when tax policy loses its human face. Abaribe said that as legislators, the National Assembly will do its part through oversight, asking questions when tax becomes weaponized and defending the principle that taxation without representation and transparency is tyranny.

“We must change the narrative about tax where the perception is that taxes are like that one relative who shows up at your table, eats everything, and still asks for takeaway. You must educate our traders, our artisans, and our market women; help them comply, but also help them demand accountability for every kobo that they pay and ensure that the promise of reform translates to growth on our streets and in our markets,” he added.

In his remarks, Innocent Ohagwa, President and Chairman in Council of CITN, said that Nigeria and CITN stand at another important threshold in that journey with the enactment of the tax reform laws, which reflect decades of the institute’s advocacy and professional insights.

He said that in light of this development, the institute has raised the bar of competence and ethical standards, and every member, particularly practitioners, must rise to meet it. He emphasized that technical competence is now non-negotiable for recertification.

“There is, perhaps, no better time to be a tax professional than now. Across the country, individuals, businesses, and institutions are seeking guidance. They are seeking clarity in the midst of change. They are looking to professionals who not only understand the law but can interpret it with clarity and apply it with integrity. That responsibility now rests, in part, on your shoulders.

“For over four decades—precisely 44 years—CITN has remained steadfast in its commitment to the development of Nigeria’s tax system. We have remained consistent and committed to policy advocacy, advancement of tax professionalism in Nigeria, taxpayer education, enlightenment campaigns, stakeholder engagement, and thought leadership, all in a bid to contribute to the development of the tax system in Nigeria,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, Sanni Yemi, Chairman of the Membership & Professional Conduct Committee, in his charge to new inductees, said: “You are joining the profession at a watershed moment. The comprehensive tax reforms whose implementation commenced in January 2026—including the new tax administration framework, the harmonization of our tax laws, and the restructuring of our tax authorities—have already begun to reshape the practice of taxation in Nigeria.

“As fresh entrants into the system, CITN looks to you for new ideas, fresh perspectives, and the technical depth required to support both taxpayers and tax authorities through this transition. The reforms, desirable as they are, will not implement themselves. All stakeholders, and tax professionals in particular, have a critical role to play in ensuring that the system works efficiently. Your contributions will support government’s revenue mobilization efforts, protect businesses, promote investments, and improve the overall fiscal regime of the country.”