The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), has urged government at all levels to ensure judicious utilisation of tax to improve citizens’ wellbeing.
The institute said that effective of utilisation of income generated from tax and levies would encourage compliance.
Mr Samuel Agbeluyi, President of the CITN, said this at the inauguration of its liaison office, in Abuja on Friday.
Agbeluyi said that all levels of government should be more transparent and accountable to Nigerians in the tax system to boost confidence and voluntary compliance.
“I know that our citizens are complying in the payment of tax. I know they are doing very well to ensure they meet targets.
“But the only way people can comply effectively and have more courage in the payment of tax is when government is making sure that the money is being spent rightly in favour of the citizens.
“Nigerians are good people. Once they see that their money is being used rightly, many people will comply and their cares will be catered for.
“I know government from various levels from my point of view is doing the right thing, I will continue to encourage them to keep doing the right thing because it is the only way to succeed,” he said.
According to Agbeluyi, Nigerians are complying better in payment of taxes compare to previous administration, adding that the Federal Inland Revenue (FIRS), collected more than N12 trillion in 2023.
“I want to let you know that we have never gotten this figure before and I know they have budgeted about N20 trillion for this year. From N12 trillion to N20 trillion this year.
“That is a major move, it is like 40 per cent or there about,” he said.
Agbeluyi enjoined Nigerians, especially those at state level to always pay their tax, stressing that the effort would improve the economic futunes of the states.
According to him, non payment of tax is causing low turn up of payment of taxes and thereby affecting negatively the economy of such states.
The Chairman of the FIRS, Mr Zacch Adedeji, said the Service would continue to partner with the CITN to achieve its goal.
“As long as the institute continue in this noble course of providing service to the nation, especially in the area of taxation there is no way it will be eradicated.
“There is no way the institute will be merge with any agency, so my message to you is for everyone to be focuse to enable it achieve the mandates of the CITN.
“I promised that I will remain to be a good ambassador to you and the entire nation,” he said.
Akso speaking, David Olorunleke, former President of the CITN, said that the commissioning of the house marked a significant milestone in journey of the institute.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the the new CITN Liaise Office, Abuja, was named after Olorunleke.
Olorunleke, who was represented by his daughter, Mrs Yetunde Olowofoyeku, said the liaison office would serve as a hub for the CITN activities in Abuja, to facilitate engagement, collaboration and outreach.
“On my personal note, the naming of this building after me is an honor and I appreciate all members of the CITN for this wonderful honour.
“It is a recognition of the collective efforts of the founding members, the successive leadership, and the entire CITN community. It fills me with a deep sense of fulfillment and pride to see how far we have come.
“This building stands as a testament to our shared vision, our hard work and our unwavering commitment to excellence,” he said.
He said that the house would be a place where ideas, strategies and solutions would be developed to address challenges in the field of taxation.
“It symbolises our commitment to continuou improvement and our dedication to serving our members and the broader community better.
“The digital economy, globalisation, and changing regulatory environments require us to be agile, innovative, and forward-thinking”.
Olorunleke expressed optimism that CITN was well positioned to navigate the changes and continue to lead the way in the field of taxation. (NAN)
