CITN Inducts New Fellows, Urges Ethical Leadership Amid Ongoing Tax Reforms
By Olusegun Obisanya
The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) over the weekend inducted a new class of Fellows at its 2025 conferment ceremony in Lagos, charging them to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism as the country intensifies its tax reforms.
A total number of 685 number were conferred with Fellowship in a ceremony marked by celebration, reflection, and renewed commitment to professional excellence.
The event, attended by distinguished guests, senior tax professionals, and industry stakeholders, began on a solemn note as the Institute paid heartfelt tribute to its pioneer President and Founding Father, Chief David Ajibola Olorunleke, who passed on October 24, 2025.
In his address, the 17th President/Chairman of Council, CITN, Innocent Ohagwa congratulated the newest set of Fellows, commending their years of dedication, service, and contributions to the development of Nigeria’s tax system. He reminded them, however, that the conferment of Fellowship was not merely a recognition of past achievement but an elevation into greater responsibility within the profession.
According to him, the country is on the brink of a major transformation in its fiscal landscape as sweeping tax reforms are expected to take full effect from January 2026. These reforms, he noted, represent one of the most decisive shifts toward a more efficient and technology-driven tax administration. He said in the new era, CITN professionals will play a crucial role in translating policy into meaningful impact.
He urged the new Fellows to uphold the highest standards of ethics, technical competence, and professionalism, emphasizing that continued relevance in the profession requires ongoing investment in knowledge. He encouraged them to actively participate in the Institute’s Mandatory Professional Training Programmes (MPTPs), workshops, seminars, zonal conferences, and flagship Annual Tax Conference.
Ohagwa expressed confidence in the conferees’ future contributions as ambassadors of the Institute. “Together, we will continue to elevate the CITN and contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said.
In his keynote address, Managing Partner, TAC Professional Services, Tunde Adaramaja commended the Institute for its growing influence in strengthening fiscal governance and advancing tax education nationwide. He described the Fellowship conferment as a significant milestone, adding that the honour carries a responsibility to serve as role models and custodians of ethical practice within the tax profession.
He noted that digitalisation, globalisation, and increased data-driven operations are reshaping the tax landscape, making it imperative for tax professionals to deepen their competence and guide both government and taxpayers toward transparent and sustainable fiscal outcomes. According to him, Nigeria’s ongoing reforms require professionals who combine technical expertise with integrity.
The ceremony concluded with a renewed call for a tax system that is fair, transparent, and development-driven, reflecting the Institute’s commitment to strengthening public trust and national economic growth.