The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) has expressed its endorsement of the government’s initiative to elevate the tax-to-GDP ratio from 10.86% to 18%, deeming it a positive stride. CITN President, Barr. Samuel Olushola Agbeluyi, emphasized the necessity for voluntary compliance but urged the federal government to curtail extravagant spending as a crucial factor in achieving this goal.
Addressing attendees at the Society of Women in Taxation Retreat in Abuja on Saturday, Agbeluyi stated, “Increasing the tax-to-GDP ratio from 10.86 to 18 per cent is good thinking. We need to engender voluntary compliance. And there is not going to be voluntary compliance when you waste public funds. So, what we are telling the government is, can you tone down excessive spending? Once that is done, Nigerians are great people; they will comply and pay their taxes.”
Chika Okoh, the Senior Programme Officer at the International Budget Partnership (IBP), contributed to the discussion on “Gender Equality and Taxation.” Okoh stressed the importance of a fair and non-discriminatory tax system in Nigeria, advocating for a gendered tax structure as a means of resource redistribution.
Bosede Ikhanoba, the National Chairperson of the Society of Women in Taxation (SWIT), explained that the purpose of the 2023 annual retreat was to enhance the capacity of national officers and state chapter coordinators. The retreat facilitated interaction and feedback sessions, crucial for effective advocacy in line with SWIT’s objectives.
Ikhanoba expressed gratitude to the IBP for sponsoring the retreat and providing a facilitator for the event. The SWIT annual retreat concluded with a dinner in honor of the 16th CITN president, Barr. Samuel Olushola Agbeluyi.
