Tax Matters: CITN charges professionals on competence, integrity as new laws take effect 2026

*Innocent Ohagwa, President and Chairman in Council, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, restates the Federal Government designed the reforms laws to simplify the tax system, promote citizens’ standard of living, expand the tax base, enhance fairness and strengthen compliance in the economy

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Following the Presidential assent to the four new tax reforms laws, the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) and industry experts have said the emerging tax ecosystem places “renewed responsibility” on practitioners in Nigeria.

ConsumerConnect gathered the CITN urged tax professionals to raise their technical competences, ethics, adaptability, and integrity as the implementation of the new tax reforms regulations take effect 2026.

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Innocent Ohagwa, President and Chairman in Council at CITN, stated this while addressing inductees at the Institute’s 53rd induction ceremony.

Ohagwa said the Nigerian Government designed the tax reforms to simplify the tax system, promote citizens’ standard of living, expand the tax base, enhance fairness and strengthen compliance.

He also noted that a major provision of the Nigerian Tax Administration Act (NTAA) 2025 is the formal recognition of tax agents, defined as persons certified by a professional body to represent taxpayers in the West African country.

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The CITN President and Chairman in Council also averred that the provision directly aligns with, and reinforces the mandate of the Institute to regulate practice and uphold standards.

On professional ethics, integrity and enhanced technical competence

Ohagwa particularly noted the evolving tax landscape in Nigeria places renewed responsibility on tax professionals.

He asserted: “Technical competence is non-negotiable.

“Ethical conduct has become the bedrock of trust. Professionalism is the new benchmark for relevance.

“Members must familiarise themselves with current tax laws and invest in continuous learning in light of the reforms.”

Reaffirming the Institute’s governance role, Ohagwa reminded members of CITN that tax practice remains multidisciplinary, and is supported by the Institute’s Investigating Panel and Disciplinary Tribunal.

The President and Chairman in Council further explained: “Members, institutions and the public are encouraged to report any instance of unprofessional behaviour.

“The Institute investigates both formal reports and issues that come to its attention publicly.”

Expert to Inductees: Uphold integrity, advance the public good

Speaking at the event also, Dr. Akinyele Oladeji, Enterprise Solutions Lead at CSDC Consulting, corroborated Ohagwa’s submission that Nigerian tax professionals must embrace agility and digital competence to remain relevant.

Oladeji averred: “This is not just a ceremony; it is a call to uphold integrity and advance the public good.”

He noted that reforms, such as the establishment of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), and tax administrator’s tools like TaxPro Max were accelerating digitalisation across the sector in the country.

The Enterprise Solutions Lead at CSDC Consulting stated: “Nigeria’s tax system is moving toward simplification, digitalisation and better coordination.

“These developments create opportunities for professionals who are agile enough.

“The evolving system rewards professionals who are both ethical and tech-savvy.”

In her address on the occasion, Mrs. Afolake Oso, Registrar/Chief Executive of CIBN, announced the rollout of automated membership profiles that allow members to process subscriptions and maintain compliance digitally.

Oso said the new tax system forms part of the Institute’s strategy to modernise its operations and strengthen its monitoring structure in the Nigerian ecosystem.

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