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The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria has reaffirmed its support for ongoing fiscal reforms while calling for the adoption of smart tax infrastructures to enhance revenue generation and promote economic growth.
The 16th President of CITN, Samuel Agbeluyi, made this known on Tuesday while delivering his opening remarks at the Maiden ICT Summit on Taxation in Abuja.
The event, organised in collaboration with CISCO UNITE Academy, brought together taxation professionals, technology experts, and policymakers to discuss digital transformation in Nigeria’s tax administration.
Agbeluyi stressed that the traditional methods of taxation must give way to technology-driven frameworks that improve compliance, plug revenue leakages, and enhance transparency.
He observed that several countries have leveraged digital tax reforms to increase revenue mobilisation, curb tax evasion and improve the ease of doing business.
According to him, Nigeria must embrace these reforms to remain competitive in the global economy.
He stressed that for Nigeria’s tax system to remain relevant in the digital economy, it must evolve beyond conventional methods to smart, technology-driven structures that promote voluntary compliance and efficiency in tax administration.
“As you are all aware, the world today is driven by Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Internet of Things and Cloud Computing, among other technological advancements.
“Technology is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity. Countries that have embraced digital tax reforms are reaping the benefits of increased revenue mobilisation, reduced tax evasion and improved ease of doing business. Nigeria cannot afford to be left behind.
“And so, if the Nigerian tax systems must keep pace with the digital economy, then our tax infrastructures must evolve beyond traditional methods to smart, technology-driven frameworks that enhance revenue generation, plug leakages and promote voluntary tax compliance,” he said.
The CITN president also stressed the importance of aligning with ongoing fiscal reforms spearheaded by the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms.
He noted that these reforms were critical to modernising Nigeria’s tax system, urging tax professionals to keep pace with the regulatory landscape and align their practices accordingly.
“Equally critical is the need to stay attuned to the evolving regulatory landscape. The ongoing reforms by the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms are critical to the tax system.
“As practitioners, we play a critical role in interpreting these reforms and aligning our practices to support their strategic objectives. The CITN remains relentless in ensuring that our members are up to date and at the heart of these reforms,” Agbeluyi said.
He commended the Chairman of the ICT Committee, Caroline Ndubuisi, and her team for their efforts in organising the summit, describing it as a valuable platform for professionals to exchange ideas, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and explore innovative ways to strengthen the tax system.
Also speaking, Senator Robert Boroffice, the pioneer Director-General of the National Space Research and Development Agency, emphasised the critical role of taxation in shaping economies, stressing that it extends beyond corruption prevention to be a fundamental pillar of global economic stability.
He noted that a well-structured tax system fosters investment confidence, economic balance and ensures government revenue for essential sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare and education.
He described the modern era as one where technology is no longer just a tool but a driving force that defines national power, having already revolutionised industries such as healthcare, finance, and manufacturing.
He highlighted the urgent need for Nigeria to transition to a smart tax system, arguing that traditional taxation models have failed due to inefficiencies, loopholes, administrative bottlenecks, and compromises by tax officials.
He explained that leveraging technology in tax administration is imperative to enhance transparency, improve compliance and create a system that is efficient, adaptable and reflective of modern economic realities.
