ICPC, CITN Partner To Promote Transparency, Improve National Taxation System

By Isaac Aregbesola

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has pledged to foster partnership with the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) to combat fraud, promote transparency and accountability in the national taxation system.

The Chairman of ICPC, Musa Aliyu, SAN, made the pledge on Tuesday when CITN delegation led by its President, Mr Samuel Agbeluyi, paid him a courtesy visit in ICPC Headquarters in Abuja.

The ICPC boss described CITN’s request to partner with the commission as pertinent to curbing tax related corruption.

Aliyu outlined key agenda for the partnership to include public awareness, technology and policy advocacy.

According to him, these are crucial to the promotion of transparency, accountability and excellence in the taxation sector.

He also underscored the need for Nigerians to contribute to the sector’s 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,” he said.

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.

Agbeluyi, who earlier requested CITN’s partnership with ICPC, reiterated the commitment of the institute to make Nigeria great by plugging loopholes in the taxation system.

He said this had led to numerous interactions with stakeholders to discuss promoting excellence, 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.

“The drive to make taxation a cornerstone of national economic development necessitated collaboration with key stakeholders,” he said.

He 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. (NAN)(nannews.ng)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab