Juliet Ezeh
The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria has emphasised that recent changes to Nigeria’s tax laws have strengthened the role of licensed tax professionals, making certification more critical than ever within the country’s fiscal framework.
President of the institute, Innocent Ohagwa, made this known during the opening session of the March 2026 Legal Practitioners’ Conversion Training Programme, held virtually. His remarks were delivered by council member Funsho Abidakun.
He explained that provisions within the Nigeria Tax Administration Act now clearly restrict taxpayer representation to individuals who are formally accredited by recognised professional bodies. This, he said, marks a significant shift in the regulation of tax practice in Nigeria.
According to Ohagwa, the reforms introduced in June 2025 have not only redefined professional standards but also reinforced ethical compliance in the tax system. Under the updated framework, taxpayers are permitted to either manage their obligations personally or appoint a certified tax agent.
He noted that the development aligns with CITN’s regulatory mandate and highlights the growing importance of structured professional training for those seeking to operate in the sector.
The institute’s conversion programme, he added, is specifically designed to equip legal practitioners with the specialised expertise required to transition into taxation, given the increasingly technical and multidisciplinary nature of the field.
Ohagwa stressed that modern tax practice now requires a blend of legal, financial, and business knowledge, urging participants to deepen their understanding beyond statutory interpretation.
More than 100 lawyers enrolled in the programme are expected to gain practical insights into the newly introduced tax laws and other key areas of practice. He encouraged them to maximise the opportunity to enhance their professional capabilities.
Also speaking, Chairman of the CITN Tax Academy Committee, Titilayo Enitan-Fowokan, said Nigeria’s evolving tax environment has increased the need for professionals who possess expertise across multiple disciplines.
She noted that the training programme offers participants a pathway to improved competence and formal recognition within the tax profession, while also preparing them to navigate the country’s changing fiscal landscape.
Enitan-Fowokan further highlighted the critical role of legal practitioners in ensuring compliance, accountability, and effective governance under the new tax regime. She added that experienced facilitators would guide participants through both theoretical and practical aspects of the training.
Nigeria’s tax reform drive gained momentum following the approval of four major laws by Bola Tinubu in June 2025. These include the Nigeria Tax Act, Nigeria Tax Administration Act, Nigeria Revenue Service Act, and Joint Revenue Board Act, all aimed at modernising tax administration and improving compliance nationwide.
