Taxmobile.Online

Taxmobile.Online

5/15/2025, 5:26:59 AM

May 2025 Technical Session Topic: Understanding and Using TaxPro-Max: A Strategic Tool for Tax Compliance and Risk Management in Nigeria Date: 24th May 2025 Time: 5:00 PM (WAT) Duration: 2 Hours Platform: Virtual (via Telegram) Target Audience: Exclusive to Taxmobile.Online Premium Community subscribers, including Tax Professionals, Business Owners, Legall Practitioners, Chartered Accountants, Tax Administrators, and Policy Analysts. Session Objectives This technical session is designed to equip you, as a Premium Community subscriber, with practical knowledge and skills to: Navigate and maximize the use of the TaxPro-Max platform for tax compliance in Nigeria. Ensure timely and accurate filing of VAT, CIT, PAYE, WHT, and TET returns. Understand how to manage digital records, track tax positions, and handle audit queries using TaxPro-Max. Reduce exposure to penalties and enhance overall tax governance through automation and data accuracy. Session Outline 1. Welcome and Introduction Opening remarks and session objectives The rise of e-tax compliance systems in Nigeria: An overview of TaxPro-Max 2. Setting Up and Navigating TaxPro-Max Account registration and taxpayer onboarding Navigating the dashboard and key compliance features 3. Filing Taxes on TaxPro-Max: Step-by-Step Demonstration VAT returns and input-output reconciliation Companies Income Tax (CIT): filing, payment, and acknowledgements Withholding Tax (WHT), PAYE, and Tertiary Education Tax (TET) filings Generating receipts, certificates, and returns history 4. Common Pitfalls and Solutions Challenges faced by businesses and tax professionals Troubleshooting login, e-filing errors, and delayed approvals Practical tips for ensuring accurate submissions 5. Leveraging TaxPro-Max for Tax Risk Management Real-time compliance monitoring and reporting Using TaxPro-Max for audit readiness and internal control tracking Integrating tax workflows with corporate tax governance policies 6. Closing Remarks and Q&A Summary of key insights Live Q&A session with real-time issue resolution Final thoughts and action plans for daily tax operations Facilitator: Richard Okunola ACA,ACTI Tax Professional(UK and Nigeria) Exclusive Materials for Subscribers TaxPro-Max Practical User Guide (PDF) Access to the live session recording Checklist for Monthly and Annual Tax Compliance Using TaxPro-Max Register Now: https://im.page/c466d424 For inquiries: Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: 08100537180 This May 2025 session is a must-attend for all Premium Community subscribers seeking hands-on mastery of TaxPro-Max. Learn to manage your tax affairs digitally, reduce exposure to risk, and lead the way in Nigeria’s tax compliance transformation.

Taxmobile.Online

5/15/2025, 3:56:16 AM

Reinstating the 5% Telecom Excise Duty in Nigeria: Economic Consequences, Stakeholder Reactions, and Legal Pushback 1. Introduction On May 8, 2025, the Nigerian Senate passed a bill reviving the controversial 5% excise duty on telecommunications services—three years after it was introduced in the Finance Act of 2020 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, and nearly two years after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu suspended its implementation due to inflationary concerns and its potential effect on digital inclusion. 2. Background: The Legal Basis of the Telecom Excise Duty Excise duties are typically imposed under the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) and the Finance Acts of successive years. The Finance Act 2020 extended excise duties beyond goods to include services—particularly those regulated by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). In the 2023 Finance Act, this included prepaid and postpaid telecom services at a 5% rate. Though suspended in July 2023 by Executive Order, the recent Senate bill now aims to codify its return into law. 3. Implementation Scope The excise duty is chargeable on: All voice and data services (prepaid and postpaid) consumed within Nigeria. Services consumed virtually or remotely from Nigeria, effectively extending liability to foreign digital service providers with Nigerian consumers. Telecom operators, who are to collect and remit the duty based on the excisable value of services rendered. 4. Industry Response: Alarm Bells and Economic Implications Telecom operators, under the umbrella of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), are fiercely opposed to the excise duty, citing: Tariff Increases: The 5% tax will force service providers to pass the cost to subscribers, effectively raising the price of voice and data. Profit Margin Erosion: Many operators are already grappling with currency devaluation, energy costs, and limited infrastructure investment. Tax Burden: ALTON reports that telecom operators currently pay 54 different taxes, making the sector one of the most heavily taxed in Nigeria. Digital Inclusion Risks: Increased telecom costs could hinder Nigeria’s broadband penetration goals and leave vulnerable populations further behind. Gbenga Adebayo, ALTON Chairman, warned: “There is no room to absorb this cost. It will ultimately land on the consumer and stall our industry’s fragile recovery.” 5. Consumer Backlash and Civil Advocacy Consumer protection bodies, including NATCOMS and ATCIS, decried the excise duty as unjust and regressive. They argue: Telecom services are essential utilities, not luxury goods. The additional tax would push millions of Nigerians further into digital poverty. There was inadequate stakeholder consultation before the Bill’s passage. Subscribers lamented that average monthly data spending had already doubled in the last year due to inflation and devaluation. As expressed by Joy Esonwunne: “We’re at our breaking point. The government keeps raising the bar of hardship.” 6. Legal Action: A Test Case for Participatory Policy-Making The National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS) has filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Lagos, challenging the legality and constitutionality of the excise tax. The matter is slated for hearing on June 11, 2025, before Justice Aluko of Court 7. Key legal arguments expected include: Violation of procedural fairness for lack of public engagement. Possible breach of consumer protection under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA). Overlapping taxation contrary to the principle of tax equity. 7. Broader Policy Considerations Experts warn that while government seeks to expand revenue sources, such short-term measures should not compromise long-term economic growth and digital innovation. Comparatively, excise duties are traditionally imposed on harmful or luxury goods (e.g., tobacco, alcohol, luxury cars)—not critical infrastructure like internet access. Furthermore, the measure contradicts Nigeria’s Digital Economy Strategy and broadband expansion targets under the National Broadband Plan (2020–2025). 8. Conclusion and Recommendations The reintroduction of the 5% excise duty on telecom services has reignited debates on tax fairness, digital rights, and participatory governance in Nigeria. As the country grapples with rising inflation and sluggish digital infrastructure development, policymakers must reconsider whether taxing access to communication services aligns with national development goals. Policy Recommendations: Suspend implementation pending outcome of stakeholder consultations and the ongoing litigation. Conduct an independent impact assessment involving NCC, Ministry of Communications, and telecom operators. Explore alternative revenue sources such as taxing luxury consumption, improving compliance in the informal sector, or enforcing digital tax rules for large foreign tech platforms. Adopt inclusive fiscal policies that prioritize affordability, innovation, and access to digital services. Olatunji Abdulrazaq CNA, ACTI, ACIArb(UK) Founder/CEO, Taxmobile.Online

Taxmobile.Online

5/16/2025, 5:26:15 AM

FIRS: The Cash Cow of Nigeria’s Fiscal Federation – RMAFC Commends Strategic Synergy for National Sustainability The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has been lauded by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) as the “cash cow” of Nigeria’s fiscal federation, credited with delivering the lion’s share of the nation’s distributable revenue amidst economic turbulence. This commendation was made during the formal inauguration of a Joint Technical Committee between FIRS and RMAFC held at the FIRS headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday. Delivering remarks at the event, Hon. Bimbo Kolade, RMAFC Member and Chairman of the Inland Revenue Monitoring Committee (IRMC), praised the performance of the FIRS under the leadership of Dr. Zacch Adedeji, stating that tax revenue from the agency now accounts for over 65% of the funds distributed monthly to the federal, state, and local governments—a dramatic shift from the historical dependence on crude oil receipts. “Federal, state and local governments can plan and execute their budgets largely because of the consistent and predictable tax revenues collected by the FIRS. Without that assurance, fiscal planning would be paralyzed,” Kolade said. He attributed this transformation to the “visionary reforms” driven by Dr. Adedeji since his assumption of office in September 2023, including the passage and implementation of the Tax Reform Bills, which faced initial controversies but were resolved through collaborative engagement, particularly on contentious issues such as VAT allocation. Institutional Collaboration: FIRS and RMAFC's Shared Mandate The inauguration of the FIRS-RMAFC Joint Technical Committee signals a renewed commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s fiscal governance architecture. While FIRS is responsible for tax collection and administration, RMAFC plays a constitutional role in monitoring revenues, ensuring fiscal transparency, and allocating federally collected revenues equitably across tiers of government, pursuant to Section 153 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended). Speaking at the event, Dr. Zacch Adedeji emphasized that the agencies are linked by “shared responsibilities and strategic outcomes” that influence fiscal sustainability and national development. “Our collaboration is not ceremonial—it is a structural necessity. As Nigeria shifts toward a non-oil tax-driven economy, the synergy between FIRS and RMAFC must become even more strategic, data-driven, and institutionalised,” he stated. Achievements and Forward Outlook Both agencies acknowledged the significant strides already made through data sharing, revenue verification exercises, and joint monitoring missions, which have improved tax compliance, accuracy in revenue reporting, and effective forecasting for government allocations. Notable impacts include: Improved transparency at the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meetings. Increased trust and reliability of data used in state fiscal planning. Enhanced policy inputs from RMAFC informed by tax administration reforms. However, Adedeji cautioned against the risks of functional overlaps and communication breakdowns, advocating for the development of a structured collaborative framework that clearly defines roles, aligns priorities, and promotes technology-enabled integration. Recommendations for a Stronger Institutional Alliance To ensure sustainable inter-agency collaboration, the following actions were proposed: Institutionalisation of Inter-agency Strategy Meetings Quarterly strategic review and planning sessions to harmonise activities. Joint Research, Audits, and Forecasting Models Collaborative analytics to strengthen fiscal modelling and policy development. Technology-Driven Data Integration A unified digital platform for real-time revenue tracking and tax analytics. Legislative Backing for Inter-agency Frameworks A potential Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) backed by legal instruments. Performance Monitoring and Reporting Joint KPIs to assess the effectiveness of tax collection and revenue distribution. Conclusion: Redefining Revenue Governance in a Post-Oil Economy The FIRS-RMAFC partnership stands as a beacon of how institutional cooperation can power Nigeria’s transition from oil dependency to a broad-based tax economy. As the country navigates economic recovery, inflation, and infrastructure deficits, the integrity and efficiency of its revenue institutions will define its development trajectory. The inauguration of the Joint Technical Committee is therefore not just a bureaucratic milestone, but a strategic lever to enhance public finance, deepen fiscal federalism, and uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and equity. Olatunji Abdulrazaq CNA, ACTI, ACIArb(UK) Founder/CEO, Taxmobile.Online

Taxmobile.Online

5/15/2025, 2:28:23 PM

https://youtu.be/Ff7FUuiupKA

Taxmobile.Online

5/14/2025, 1:58:36 PM

U.S. Proposal to Tax Remittances: Implications for Nigerian Families and Global Economic Relations Introduction A new bill proposed by U.S. House Republicans seeks to impose a 5% excise tax on remittances sent abroad by foreign residents in the United States. This legislation, if enacted, could significantly impact immigrant communities, particularly those from high remittance-dependent countries such as Nigeria. The Core of the Bill According to the draft bill released on Monday, the tax applies to "any remittance transfer" made by a sender who is not a “verified United States sender.” However, remitters who are verified U.S. citizens may claim the tax as a credit, effectively exempting them. The proposal stipulates that: “There is hereby imposed on any remittance transfer a tax equal to 5 percent of the amount of such transfer… [which] shall be paid by the sender... and remitted quarterly to the Secretary [of the Treasury].” This would place a direct burden on foreign-born residents, including lawful permanent residents, asylum seekers, and undocumented migrants. Nigeria’s Exposure: The Diaspora Remittance Context Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, is among the top recipients of remittances globally. According to Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Olayemi Cardoso, Nigeria received $4.22 billion in diaspora remittances through international money transfer operators (IMTOs) between January and October 2024. While the CBN did not disaggregate this figure by source country, it is widely acknowledged that a significant portion of Nigeria’s remittances originates from the U.S., where a large Nigerian diaspora community resides. Potential Implications for Nigerian Families If passed, this tax could have cascading effects on Nigerian households that rely heavily on remittance inflows for basic needs, education, and small business capital. A 5% tax on every remitted dollar would erode the net value received by beneficiaries and may discourage formal remittance channels, pushing senders toward informal or unregulated options — undermining financial transparency and compliance. Policy Rationale and Immigration Undercurrents The proposed tax is not occurring in isolation. It aligns with recent hardline stances taken by the U.S. government on immigration and trade: Immigration Clampdown: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) identified nearly two million undocumented immigrants for deportation in early 2025. Birthright Citizenship: U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated plans to revoke birthright citizenship for children born to undocumented immigrants. Trade Tensions and Tariffs: The U.S. imposed a 14% tariff on Nigerian exports and hiked tariffs on Chinese goods from 104% to 125% before later agreeing to reduce them to 30% as part of a reciprocal deal with China. These developments suggest a broader policy direction focused on economic nationalism, enhanced border controls, and revenue maximization — with migrants and foreign economies bearing the brunt. Economic and Diplomatic Repercussions If implemented, the remittance tax could: Deter legal financial transfers, affecting foreign exchange liquidity in recipient countries like Nigeria. Fuel tension in U.S.-Africa relations, particularly given the continent's role as a rising partner in trade and investment under frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Trigger reciprocal policies from affected countries, including restrictions on U.S. firms or financial institutions operating abroad. Conclusion: What Should Stakeholders Do? For policymakers in Nigeria and similar remittance-reliant countries, proactive engagement with U.S. counterparts through diplomatic channels is essential. African governments may need to: Enhance financial literacy among diaspora communities on alternative remittance strategies. Strengthen domestic remittance infrastructure to reduce dependency on foreign transfer systems. Form strategic alliances to challenge policies with extraterritorial impacts that undermine international cooperation and development goals. Meanwhile, the Nigerian diaspora should closely monitor the legislative process, advocate through consular and community channels, and explore compliant ways to minimize the impact on family remittances. Olatunji Abdulrazaq CNA, ACTI, ACIArb(UK) Founder/CEO, Taxmobile.Online

Taxmobile.Online

5/16/2025, 5:17:46 AM

Organised Labour Demands Tax Justice: “The Current Nigerian Tax System is Rigged Against Workers” In a strongly worded joint statement, the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC)—Comrade Joe Ajaero and Comrade Festus Osifo, respectively—have denounced recent tax policy proposals by the Federal Government as anti-worker, unjust, and a direct threat to economic inclusion and human dignity. The unions decried the rising burden of taxation on Nigerian workers, arguing that the current tax architecture fails the fundamental test of equity and fairness. According to them, it is regressive in structure, punitive in application, and blind to the economic realities of the working class. Highlights of Their Position: 1. Minimum Wage vs. Minimum Taxable Income: The new tax bill proposes N800,000 as the minimum taxable annual income, in a country where the proposed National Minimum Wage is N70,000/month or N840,000/year. This, the unions argue, is a paradox that erodes the purchasing power of the most vulnerable and violates the principles of fairness and ability to pay. “How can you propose taxing a worker whose annual income equals only eight bags of rice?”, the statement reads. 2. Excessive Taxation on Allowances: Housing, transportation, and medical benefits—traditionally seen as welfare-enhancing components of a worker's pay—are now facing taxation. This is a move the unions describe as unconscionable, especially amid galloping inflation and declining real incomes. 3. VAT Expansion and Regressive Levies: The expansion of Value Added Tax (VAT) on essential goods and introduction of new levies like the ‘Development Levy’ will raise living costs disproportionately for the poor, contravening the principle that taxes should not deepen poverty. 4. Failure to Tax the Rich and Corporations Fairly: While working-class Nigerians are burdened with Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) taxes and multiple consumption-based taxes, multinational corporations and high-net-worth individuals are under-taxed or evade taxes through legal loopholes and weak enforcement mechanisms. “The current system punishes productivity and protects privilege.” 5. Informal Sector and Presumptive Taxation: Far from integrating the informal sector through inclusion and support, the government’s presumptive tax policies often translate into harassment, extortion, and disincentives for micro-entrepreneurship. This contradicts the national economic strategy that aims to grow MSMEs and reduce unemployment. Labour’s Demands: A Blueprint for Tax Justice The unions call for a complete withdrawal of the proposed tax bills and advocate for the following structural reforms: Adoption of a truly progressive tax system: Ensure the wealthy, large corporates, and luxury earners pay proportionately higher taxes. Exemption of minimum wage earners from income tax: Align taxable thresholds with economic realities and ensure tax reliefs for low-income earners. Zero-rating VAT on basic goods and services: Such as food, medicine, school supplies, and public transportation. Curbing waste and corruption in government spending: Labour argues that workers should not finance elite misgovernance. Reform of presumptive tax regimes: To remove arbitrariness and support rather than punish the informal sector. Institutionalised consultation with labour unions and civil society: All fiscal policies must undergo social dialogue in line with International Labour Organization (ILO) standards. Conclusion: Workers Will Not Be Silent In closing, the NLC and TUC reiterated their resolve: “This is not just about economics—it’s about our right to live with dignity. PAYE is not paying us. We will not relent until taxation in Nigeria reflects justice, equity, and inclusion. We are the hands that build this country; we refuse to be treated as expendables.” Key Takeaway: Nigeria's tax policy must shift from extractive to developmental, from regressive to progressive, and from elitist to inclusive. Anything short of this is an affront to social justice and economic sustainability. Olatunji Abdulrazaq CNA, ACTI, ACIArb(UK) Founder/CEO, Taxmobile.Online

Taxmobile.Online

5/16/2025, 10:12:32 AM

Join the Taxmobile.Online Premium Tax Community on Telegram – Only N50,000 Per Year! Take your tax knowledge, business, or career to the next level with exclusive benefits designed for tax professionals, business owners, and tax enthusiasts. What You’ll Get as a Premium Member: 1. Tax Community Access: Join an engaged network of tax experts and like-minded professionals. Share insights, ask questions, and stay updated on the latest trends in taxation. 2. Extensive Tax Library: Enjoy unlimited access to a comprehensive library of tax guides, tools, templates, and resources—available anytime, anywhere. 3. Monthly Live Technical Sessions: Participate in expert-led live sessions on trending tax topics. Can’t make it? No worries—recordings are available for replay. 4. Recorded Masterclasses & Webinars: Learn at your own pace with on-demand access to past masterclasses and webinars covering key tax issues. 5. Exclusive Q&A Sessions: Have pressing tax questions? Get direct answers from industry experts during members-only Q&A sessions. Why Join? Stay Informed: Be ahead of the curve on tax policies and updates. Expand Your Knowledge: Gain insights that make tax compliance and planning easier. Grow Your Career: Network with top professionals and access career-enhancing resources. How Much? Get all these benefits for just N50,000 per year. Ready to Invest in Your Growth? Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your tax expertise and connect with a vibrant community of professionals. 👉 Join now: Taxmobile.Online Premium Tax Community https://im.page/c466d424 Your growth starts here!

Taxmobile.Online

5/14/2025, 4:52:23 PM

Transforming Air Travel in West Africa: ECOWAS Parliament’s Bold Move to Reduce Taxes and Boost Regional Connectivity Introduction In a significant step toward fostering regional integration and economic competitiveness, the ECOWAS Parliamentarians convened in Lomé, Togo from May 6 to 9, 2025, and adopted far-reaching recommendations aimed at lowering the cost of air travel across West Africa. At the heart of these deliberations was a shared recognition: that the current air transport tax regime in West Africa is a major barrier to accessibility, affordability, and the growth of intra-regional trade and tourism. Key Resolutions Adopted The parliamentarians proposed sweeping fiscal and regulatory reforms, effective from January 1, 2026, including: Elimination of Four Major Taxes: Ticket Tax Tourism Tax Solidarity Tax Foreign Travel Tax Reduction of Service Fees: 25% reduction in passenger service charges 25% reduction in airport security charges Institutional Proposals: Development of a harmonized tax and fee regulatory framework Creation of a regional aviation support fund for airlines Establishment of a single West African airspace to reduce duplication and optimize infrastructure usage Economic Rationale and Urgency ECOWAS lawmakers presented compelling data-driven evidence: Taxes and fees in ECOWAS are 103% higher than in comparable regions. Security-related charges exceed global averages by 70% Government-imposed taxes are 47.4% above international norms These levies inflate ticket prices by: 20% on domestic routes 48.6% on regional flights 36.5% on international connections This cost burden deters air travel, undermines the Yamoussoukro Decision on African air liberalization, and erodes the potential for trade, tourism, and economic mobility within the region. Strategic Implications for Regional Integration Fanta Conté, co-president of the presidium, emphasized the urgency of making air transport “accessible and competitive.” Indeed, affordable aviation is a catalyst for integration—supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), boosting MSME access to regional markets, and connecting landlocked nations to the global economy. The establishment of a single airspace, aligned with ICAO standards, could: Enhance route efficiency Reduce overhead costs Promote inter-airline cooperation Improve safety oversight and passenger experience Political Will: The Missing Link While the recommendations are economically sound and technically feasible, Mamadou Sako, co-chair of the joint infrastructure committee, candidly stated that the true challenge is political. He called for a “firm and collective will” among ECOWAS governments to implement the reforms, stressing that the data is clear and actionable. Way Forward: Oversight and Accountability To ensure implementation, lawmakers advocated for the establishment of a monitoring committee guided by International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) benchmarks. This body would track reforms, coordinate national aviation agencies, and report compliance levels across member states. Conclusion This landmark session of the ECOWAS Parliament signals a paradigm shift in the regional aviation discourse—from fragmented national interests to collaborative, people-centered air policy reform. If member states follow through, West Africa could witness a new era of affordable, efficient, and integrated air travel, unlocking significant gains for commerce, mobility, and development. The next six months will test regional political maturity—whether vision can translate into action, and whether West African skies can finally reflect the aspirations of its people. Olatunji Abdulrazaq CNA, ACTI, ACIArb(UK) Founder/CEO, Taxmobile.Online

Taxmobile.Online

5/14/2025, 5:39:54 AM

Redefining Nigeria’s Fiscal Future: How a Technology-Driven Tax Reform Agenda Aims to Deliver $3 Billion Monthly Revenue At the 27th Annual Tax Conference of The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) held in Abuja, a clear message resonated from the country’s fiscal leadership: Nigeria’s future rests on the shoulders of a modern, technology-enabled tax system. Backed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s fiscal reform agenda, the government is charting a bold course to generate up to $3 billion in monthly tax revenues—anchored on digital compliance, transparent governance, and stakeholder collaboration. The Vision: Taxation as a Development Tool, Not Just Revenue Representing the President at the event, Dr. Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, Minister of State for Finance, emphasized a critical paradigm shift: taxation is no longer to be viewed solely as a revenue-generating mechanism. “Taxation is more than revenue; it is a tool for development,” she stated, reinforcing that fiscal policy must align with inclusive economic aspirations. This aligns with the global consensus that effective taxation, when designed equitably and administered transparently, fosters public trust, supports infrastructure, and promotes economic inclusion. Technology at the Core of Reform Key to the transformation is technology and data analytics, which the government is now leveraging to modernize compliance systems, enhance taxpayer services, and curb leakages. The reforms address endemic challenges such as: The multiplicity of taxes Overlapping regulatory mandates Low compliance and narrow tax base Weak coordination across federal, state, and local governments A unified tax database is now in development to integrate federal and sub-national systems, enabling joint audits, seamless taxpayer tracking, and real-time data validation. This is a foundational infrastructure that could redefine Nigeria’s tax ecosystem. Execution: The Litmus Test for Success While landmark legislations like the Economic Stabilization Bill and efforts by the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms have laid the groundwork, the Minister warned that execution remains the critical success factor. “Policies must translate into measurable outcomes,” Uzoka-Anite stressed, citing Nigeria’s 2024 $6.8 billion balance of payments surplus and $16 billion trade surplus as signs of economic rebound. However, with inflation still stubborn and trust in tax authorities low, the execution of reforms must be people-centered and service-driven. The Subnational Lens: Fiscal Federalism in Action The conference also spotlighted the crucial role of state governments in reform implementation. Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State reminded the audience that “poverty cannot be taxed”—urging a focus on wealth creation before taxation. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State gave a sobering assessment: despite efforts, Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio remains under 11%—one of the lowest globally, while inflation hit 33.3% in 2024, and FDI dropped to $29.8 million in Q2 2024. He, however, lauded the proposed progressive tax regime for 2025, including: N800,000 personal income tax exemption threshold Reduced development levies for low-income earners Aiyedatiwa called for: Domestication of federal tax laws Modernization of state tax infrastructure Adoption of digital tools Public-private partnerships (PPP) for implementation Notably, states are now gaining visibility in international tax policy decisions, including double taxation agreements (DTAs)—a significant departure from past practice. Tackling Data Deficit and Trust Gap A major hurdle identified was the absence of credible and integrated taxpayer data. Stakeholders pointed out the contradiction of asset declarations versus the availability of verified data. For instance, “We own eight houses. Isn’t our data in the system?” one speaker asked, underscoring the crisis of confidence in the current data infrastructure. This has propelled the push for a shared tax data system to enhance transparency, reduce evasion, and provide granular insight into property, business, and informal sector earnings. Tax Equity, Harmonized Enforcement, and National Growth The conference framed the future of Nigeria’s tax system within the context of global best practices. Experts proposed a national tax strategy focused on: Reducing compliance costs Harmonizing enforcement between agencies Strengthening fiscal autonomy of states Bringing informal sectors into the tax net Respecting and restructuring Government-Mandated Operations (GMO) taxes Critically, panelists reiterated that service delivery—not just policy sophistication—will define the success of the reforms. Citizens must see the impact of taxes in roads, schools, healthcare, and digital services. Conclusion: From Promise to Practice The CITN conference was more than a policy dialogue—it was a call to action. Nigeria’s tax future hinges not just on technology and reform, but on integrity, execution, and inclusivity. As Uzoka-Anite reminded tax professionals, “You are the custodians of Nigeria’s tax equation. Challenge assumptions. Shape policies. Drive growth.” The ambition to achieve $3 billion in monthly revenue is bold, but attainable—if stakeholders act collaboratively, openly, and accountably. The window to reform is open; the time to deliver is now. Olatunji Abdulrazaq CNA, ACTI, ACIArb(UK) Founder/CEO, Taxmobile.Online