Institute harps on tax paying culture

The president of Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, (CITN) Barr. Samuel Agbeluyi has stressed the need to imbibe a tax paying culture in a bid to improve the country’s tax revenue collection.

Agbeluyi stated this during a media parley held in Lagos, explaining that the government has to exemplify trust to strengthen the culture where taxpayers would not be forced to pay taxes.

“We need to go to that culture whereby people will readily pay their taxes. You don’t need to force or pursue them. Once that culture is created.

“Of course the other side of a tax paying community that they are demanding for you to use that money and our political leaders must be ready to use that money,” he said.

Ahead of the council’s 26th annual tax conference, which is scheduled to take place from May 13 – 17, the president announced a change in the venue, saying the conference will be held at the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) International Trade and Convention Centre.

He said the decision was made after the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, announced the closure of the initial venue, the International Conference Centre for repairs.

“It was quite worrisome to hear the FCT Minister announce that the International Conference Centre will be shut for repairs due to its deplorable state. 

“However, being a dynamic body with dynamic leadership and membership, we have sworn into action to get a place. We have now secured the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) International Trade and Convention Centre,” he said.