Accountant General pledges recognition for tax professionals in fiscal reforms

The Accountant General of the Federation, Dr. Shamelesden Ogunjimi, has expressed commitment to ensuring the recognition of tax professionals in the federal civil service through the ongoing review of the Scheme of Service.

Ogunjimi made this known when he received a delegation of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), led by its President, Innocent C. Ohagwa, during a courtesy visit to his office recently in Abuja.

The Accountant General assured the delegation that their request for the creation of a career path for tax professionals, with an entry point at Grade Level 10, would be presented to the Head of Service of the Federation.

He stressed that tax professionals deserve recognition in the same manner as lawyers, medical practitioners, and veterinary doctors in the nation’s civil service structure.

Speaking on the nation’s fiscal outlook, Ogunjimi reiterated that Nigeria stands on the threshold of far-reaching reforms under the newly enacted Tax Reform Acts.

According to him, if faithfully implemented, the reforms will reshape the country’s fiscal landscape, enhance revenue generation, and block leakages in the system.

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Ogunjimi, according to a statement issued on Friday by spokesman Bawa Mokwa, further disclosed plans to transform the Treasury Academy, Orozo, into a world-class institute that will train accountants to international standards, thereby boosting professionalism and strengthening revenue generation for the Nigerian economy.

In his remarks, Ohagwa congratulated Ogunjimi on his appointment, describing it as a product of merit, competence, and years of dedicated service.

He appealed to the Accountant General to convey the institute’s request for a defined career progression for tax professionals to the Head of Service.

The CITN President also highlighted the significance of taxation in Nigeria’s fiscal and economic development and called for stronger collaboration between CITN and the Office of the Accountant General in the areas of staff training and capacity development.

Ohagwa stressed that such partnerships would enhance the knowledge base of accountants, especially in line with global best practices and the ongoing reforms in taxation.

The Star