The Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Enugu and District Society, Chief Dr. Nkemdilim Virginia Udeh, has emphasized the need to spread the tax gospel, stating that tax is not extortion, as erroneously believed by some members of the public, but a civil responsibility.
In her welcome address at this year’s Tax Week event organized by CITN Enugu and District Society, Udeh highlighted the efforts made by the District to spread awareness by visiting tertiary institutions and the NYSC Orientation Camp in Awgu, Awgu Local Government Area of the State.
She mentioned, “The theme of the 2023 Tax Week, titled ‘Tax Reforms and Revenue Generation in Nigeria: Focus On Enugu State,’ is very timely and topical given the current erratic nature of our general revenue data and statistics.”
“To ensure meaningful discussions, we have engaged a seasoned facilitator well-versed in the selected topic, and I am confident he will do justice to the theme of the day. After today’s discussions, attendees will have another opportunity to ‘learn, unlearn, and relearn,’ enhancing our enlightenment and refining our fiscal policy proposals, all in line with the age-old mantra that a ‘well-taxed nation is a better-developed nation.'”
In his opening remarks, Chief Tom Onyeagwa, the Chairman of the occasion, emphasized that taxation is not a new phenomenon and has been a major source of revenue for the Nigerian government at all levels since the colonial era. He commended Udeh’s leadership for her organizational ability and the caliber of people in attendance, showcasing CITN as a serious professional association with proactive leaders.
Chief Elias Igwebuike Agbo, in his paper, discussed the implementation of tax reforms in Nigeria as a strategy for improving revenue collection. He noted the historical research design used, with a focus on Enugu State, and highlighted that despite a declining trend in Nigeria’s fiscal revenue over the past decade, tax reforms have positively and significantly affected revenue generation. Agbo recommended that governments at all levels in Nigeria should remain resilient in implementing strategic tax reforms.
Adenine Okebu and Sandra George, Special Advisers to Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State on Taxation, and the representative of the Head of Service, Kelvin Ezeugwu, as well as Chairman of Enugu State Internal Revenue, Sam Nnamani, Ozor Chidiebere Eczema, Ex-Head of Service, took their time to advise the audience on the need to chart the way forward.
The event’s high point included the presentation of souvenirs to Chief Onyeagwa and Dr. Agbo. On Saturday, a road walk took place from Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium to Michael Okpara Square, Enugu. A radio program earlier featured the leadership of the Association in an interactive session with the public.
Members of the Association participated in the road walk in large numbers. Speaking to newsmen, CITN Chairman, Udeh, explained that the exercise aimed to keep members of the Association strong and healthy. She pledged to uphold the integrity and service ethos to realize the dreams of their founding fathers in activating a tax-driven economy. Udeh also announced that a ‘Town Hall Meeting’ would be held at major markets in Enugu urban, commending all participants, friends, and leaders of the Association for making this year’s ‘Tax Week’ event a huge success.