CITN membership surpasses 35,000 as tax reforms drive demand for professional capacity
The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) says its membership has risen to 35,130 as tax reforms and growing demand for tax expertise increase the relevance of the profession in Nigeria’s evolving fiscal landscape.
The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) says its membership has risen to 35,130 as tax reforms and growing demand for tax expertise increase the relevance of the profession in Nigeria’s evolving fiscal landscape.
Innocent Ohagwa, president and chairman of council of CITN, disclosed this on Wednesday while presenting his address at the institute’s 34th Annual General Meeting held in Lagos.
According to him, recent tax reforms have significantly increased demand for tax education, professional training, and stakeholder engagement, placing the institute at the centre of efforts to support implementation of the new tax regime.
“Businesses and individuals required greater guidance, interpretation, and engagement regarding emerging tax issues. The reforms created increased demand for tax education, professional capacity development, and stakeholder engagement,” Ohagwa said.
The development comes as the federal government seeks to improve tax administration, broaden the tax base, reduce revenue leakages, and strengthen non-oil revenue generation through a series of reforms now being implemented across the country.
Ohagwa said the institute responded by organising extensive training programmes and awareness campaigns before and after the enactment of the new tax laws.
According to him, CITN organised 14 webinar series for members, taxpayers, and other stakeholders on the reforms while also partnering with the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) on e-invoicing workshops.
“The Institute has played a critical role in addressing that demand through various capacity-building and awareness programmes organised pre-and-post enactment of the tax reform acts and still has not relented in its efforts,” he said.
He noted that the institute’s growing influence was further demonstrated by its nomination as an ex officio member of the Joint Revenue Board (JRB), a development that strengthens its role within Nigeria’s tax administration framework.
“At an emergency meeting of the Joint Revenue Board held on January 28, 2026, the Executive Chairman of Akwa Ibom State moved a motion for the nomination of the Institute as a member of the Board,” Ohagwa said.
The institute also expanded engagement with tax authorities across the country, including the Nigeria Revenue Service and several state internal revenue services, as part of efforts to support implementation of the reforms and improve revenue mobilisation at subnational levels.
Ohagwa said Nigeria’s economy was showing signs of recovery, with GDP growth projected at about 4.2 percent in 2026, supported by services, telecommunications, fintech, and real estate.
He added that inflation had moderated from levels above 30 percent to the mid-teens, while foreign exchange reforms had helped stabilise the naira.
Despite the improvements, he said debt service obligations, insecurity, infrastructure deficits and high energy costs remained major constraints on economic growth and business competitiveness.
“In this context, taxation assumed a more strategic role within fiscal policy, with the government introducing reforms aimed at creating greater opportunities for business growth, enhancing efficiency, broadening the tax base, improving compliance, and reducing revenue leakages,” he said.
The institute also recorded growth in its professional ranks during the year under review. A total of 1,901 members were admitted during its 53rd induction ceremony held in Lagos in November 2025, while another 1,460 members joined at the 54th induction ceremony in Abuja in April 2026.
Additionally, 698 associates were elevated to fellowship status, and 2,659 members received practicing licenses.
Beyond membership growth, CITN signed strategic partnerships with Taxpadi Corvendra Ltd., Value Soft Intelligent Automation Ltd., and Caleb University to strengthen technology adoption, professional training, and academic collaboration.
The institute’s annual tax conference, held in Abuja in May 2026 under the theme “Tax Reforms and Global Relevance: Positioning Nigeria’s Tax System for a Sustainable Future,” attracted 4,556 participants physically and virtually.
Looking ahead, Ohagwa said the institute would continue supporting tax reform implementation, strengthening professional standards and expanding tax education across the country.
“As we move forward, let us continue to work with the same spirit of excellence, integrity, and professionalism that defines the CITN. I am confident that, with your continued support, CITN will achieve even greater heights in the next presidential year and beyond,” he said.
