Women’s Advancement Vital To Stronger Tax Profession, Says CITN

BY ORJIME MOSES, Abuja

The president of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Innocent Ohagwa, has said that advancing women’s leadership is essential to building a more inclusive, competent and vibrant taxation profession.

Ohagwa made the remark at the Society of Women in Taxation (SWIT) retreat, held in Abuja on Saturday. The retreat was themed, “Leading Beyond Title: From Position to Purpose and Impact.”

Speaking at the event, the CITN president said the theme challenged tax professionals to look beyond positions and titles when defining leadership.

“This year’s theme challenges us to rethink our understanding of leadership and recognise that leadership is not defined merely by the positions we occupy or the titles we bear, but by the purpose we serve and the impact we create,” he said.

Ohagwa said that while positions may confer authority, purpose gives leadership direction, while impact gives it lasting value.

“Positions may confer authority, but purpose gives leadership direction, while impact establishes its enduring value,” he added.

He assured members of SWIT that the CITN Governing Council remained committed to supporting the society and providing the institutional backing required for it to fulfil its mandate.

“Let me assure you that the council of the CITN remains committed to supporting SWIT and providing the institutional backing required for the society to fulfil its mandate,” Ohagwa said.

He added that a stronger institute required the full participation and leadership of women in the taxation profession.

“We recognise that a stronger institute requires advancing women’s leadership, which is integral to building a more inclusive, competent and vibrant taxation profession,” he said.

In her welcome address, the National Chairperson of SWIT and member of the CITN Governing Council, Dr Caroline Ndubuisi, said effective leaders should use their influence to create opportunities, solve problems and inspire confidence in others.

She said the most effective leaders do not use their positions merely to command attention, but rather use their influence to prepare others to succeed.

“As women in taxation, we occupy an important place in the advancement of professional excellence, financial accountability, institutional development and national progress,” Ndubuisi said.

She said the responsibility of women in the profession extends beyond personal advancement, adding that they must continue to mentor young professionals, promote ethical conduct and support innovation.

“Our responsibility extends beyond personal advancement. We must continue to encourage young professionals, strengthen mentorship, promote ethical conduct, support innovation and create an environment where competence and integrity are rewarded,” she said.

Ndubuisi also congratulated two former leaders of the society, Hajiya Kudirat Abdulhamid and Dr Bosede Ikhanoba, who were decorated as the 8th and 9th Life Patrons of SWIT respectively.

She described their recognition as a celebration of their contributions and enduring association with the professional body.

“To our distinguished 8th and 9th SWIT Life Patrons, Hajiya Kudirat Abdulhamid and Dr Bosede Ikhanoba, whom we are gathered to decorate and honour, we celebrate your contributions and the enduring value of your association with our professional family,” she said.

Ndubuisi said the honours showed that meaningful service deserved appreciation and that the influence of committed individuals could extend beyond a particular office or period of service.

“Your recognition is a reminder that meaningful service deserves appreciation and that the influence of a committed individual can extend far beyond a particular office or period of service,” she stated.

Honesty vital to tax system

A security intelligence and public relations expert, Marilyn Ogar, said leadership was ultimately built on trust.

Speaking on the topic, “Leadership Anchored on Honesty: The Foundation of Trust, Credibility and Economic Value,” Ogar said honesty was particularly important for women in taxation because tax practitioners operate at the intersection of government, business and citizens.

“Your professional decisions can influence revenue mobilisation, business confidence, compliance and ultimately, the capacity of government to provide public services,” she said.

Ogar said taxation depends heavily on trust, noting that citizens and businesses are more likely to comply with tax obligations when they believe tax administration and professional advice are fair, competent and credible.

“Citizens and businesses are more likely to comply when they believe that tax administration and professional advice are fair, competent and credible,” she said.

She warned that perceptions of dishonesty, manipulation or preferential treatment could weaken the culture of tax compliance.

“Conversely, perceptions of dishonesty, manipulation or preferential treatment can weaken the culture of compliance,” Ogar said.

She urged women in taxation to treat honesty not only as a personal virtue, but also as a professional asset, an institutional responsibility and an economic imperative.

“For women in taxation, honesty should therefore be treated not as a personal virtue alone, but as a professional asset, an institutional responsibility and an economic imperative,” she said.

Also speaking at the retreat, Prof. Suleiman Aruwa, a Professor of Accounting and Finance at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, highlighted the importance of professional excellence, leadership, connection, and reinvention in achieving greater impact.

He said professionals in the taxation sector must continue to develop their skills, build meaningful relationships and adapt to changing economic and technological realities.

The retreat brought together women tax professionals, industry leaders and stakeholders to discuss leadership, integrity, mentorship and the growing role of women in Nigeria’s taxation profession.