Be prepared for new tax regime, CITN charges professionals

The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) has called on tax professionals to brace up for the realities of Nigeria’s evolving tax landscape following the enactment of four landmark fiscal legislations earlier this year. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Virtual Legal Practitioners’ Conversion Training Programme, the President of the Institute, Mr. […]

The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) has called on tax professionals to brace up for the realities of Nigeria’s evolving tax landscape following the enactment of four landmark fiscal legislations earlier this year.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Virtual Legal Practitioners’ Conversion Training Programme, the President of the Institute, Mr. Innocent C. Ohagwa, urged practitioners—particularly those in the legal and financial sectors—to deepen their understanding of the country’s new tax framework and strengthen their technical competence in response to the far-reaching reforms.

He noted that the newly assented laws represent the most comprehensive tax reform initiative in Nigeria’s history, saying the initiative harmonised multiple tax statutes while simplifying compliance procedures, and enhancing institutional accountability.

He explained that while the reforms open new frontiers for professional practice, they also impose greater responsibility on tax experts to provide accurate advisory services and uphold the highest standards of ethical and technical excellence.

 

 

 

He emphasised that the CITN remains committed to ensuring that professionals are adequately equipped for the demands of the new tax regime through structured training, continuous professional development, and adherence to global best practices in taxation.

 

 

 

The CITN President further encouraged participants in the programme to engage actively and to leverage the Institute’s various learning platforms—including the Mandatory Professional Training Programme, Annual Tax Conference, and specialised workshops—to remain relevant in the rapidly changing fiscal environment.

 

 

 

“Tax professionals are now expected to play a more strategic role, not only in understanding the provisions and implications of the new laws but also in ensuring their proper application and promoting fiscal integrity,” Ohagwa stated.

 

 

 

The Legal Practitioners’ Conversion Training Programme, organised by the CITN Tax Academy, provides a pathway for lawyers seeking to become certified tax professionals and contribute effectively to Nigeria’s ongoing tax reform process.

 

Okeowo Taiwo, a Deputy Director with the Federal Inland Revenue Service in his presentation on the overview of Nigerian Tax System stated legal practitioners “are uniquely positioned to add value across the tax spectrum through tax advisory by advising “clients on compliance, structuring transactions for tax efficiency, and navigating complex tax laws; Dispute Resolution: Representing clients in objections before tax authorities, at the Tax Appeal Tribunal, and in courts.”

 

 

 

He stated that lawyers also have a role to play in statutory compliance by assisting clients with tax registration, filing returns, and ensuring adherence to all legal requirements while at the same time they contribute to the development of tax policy and legislation through professional bodies like the CITN and NBA.