The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, CITN has harped on the need for intensified tax enlightenment campaign and education as Nigerian economy struggled to get out of COVID-19 mess.
The institute stressed this during its 44th induction ceremony of 286 associate members.
President of CITN, Glady Simplice, in her address, referred to the harm COVID-19 has caused to the global economy, including Nigeria’s, whereby taxation has become a major policy instrument needed for stability post COVID-19.
To this end, the CITN boss recognised the need for aggressive tax awareness in order to boost tax education among citizens.
“More than ever before, there is a compelling need to reinvigorate our enlightenment and education mechanisms. For this reason, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) must wake up to its statutory responsibilities.
“The CITN Council has approved District Societies as part of our concerted plan of action to change the part of its responsibilities. The continuous engagement in regular education and enlightenment programmes at the national level and through our District Societies, is required to change the narrative of poor tax awareness among the citizens. At governmental level, it is important that tax policy initiatives and reviews in tax laws are well thought-out and followed through”.
Simplice cautioned government against the propensity of introducing earmarked taxes with the intention of raising revenues, not minding the consequences on individuals and businesses.
“As a matter of fact, the thinking of Section 2.2.6 of the Revised National Tax Policy 2017 is that our taxes should be few in number, broad-based and high revenue-yielding. In effect, the administration of the taxes should be simplified for ease of enforcement and compliance.”
Admonishing the inductees, Lagos State Auditor-General, Helen Deile, urged them to commit themselves to the ideals, ethics and standards of the profession.
She also tasked them on IT skills update in a world of new normal.
