The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and
the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) have struck an agreement to partner towards fighting corruption, combating fraud, promoting transparency and accountability in the national taxation system.
The ICPC boss, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, who played host to the President of CITN, Samuel Agbeluyi, mni today, January 16, endorsed the request, describing such partnership as necessary to curbing tax related corruption.
Dr. Aliyu outlined key agenda for the partnership to include public awareness, technology and policy advocacy, which according to him, are crucial to the promotion of transparency, accountability and excellence in the taxation sector.
He stressed the need for Nigerians to contribute to its development by normalising tax payment.
“The relationship between ICPC and CITN will be consolidated by revisiting the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and ensuring that the terms are reviewed and improved upon.”
ICPC boss assured CITN of the Commission’s unwavering support, as well as collaboration with other key players in the sector, including Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to effectively prevent and check tax related offences.
This was even as Agbeluyi reiterated the commitment of CITN to make Nigeria great by plugging loopholes in the taxation system “that has led us to numerous interactions with stakeholders to discuss promotingexcellence, professionalism and ethical standards in the practice of taxation.
“The crucial role that an efficient tax system plays in building a sustainable and prosperous economy cannot be over emphasised.In his opinion, the drive to make taxation a cornerstone of national economic development necessitated collaboration with key stakeholders.”
The President of CITN outlined capacity building and public advocacy as some of the areas in which the institute hoped to partner, with the aim of creating a robust and efficient tax administration system that will boost revenue generation of the country.
