By ALEX ENEBELI

The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) and Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (ESIRS) have sensitised South-East businesses on provisions of the new tax law.

The South East Zonal Sensitisation Programme gathered stakeholders from the five states to advance coordinated implementation of Nigeria’s tax reform agenda.

Speaking in Enugu, CITN President, Mr Innocent Ohagwa, said the initiative reflected the institute’s philosophy of engagement, tax education and partnership.

He said sustainable revenue growth required informed taxpayers, well-equipped administrators and mutual trust between government and citizens.

According to him, CITN supports governments through capacity building, technical assistance, advocacy, policy dialogue and grassroots sensitisation.

“This collaboration with South-East revenue services is part of our national effort to demystify the tax reform acts and promote voluntary compliance.

“While Nigeria has designed comprehensive reforms, the real test lies in effective and consistent implementation, particularly at sub-national level,” Ohagwa said.

He stressed that strengthening tax administration meant not only increasing revenue, but also building strong institutions and improving taxpayers’ understanding of the law.

Declaring the event open, Gov. Peter Mbah said the law had reduced tension through exemptions targeting vulnerable income groups.

Represented by Deputy Governor, Ifeanyi Ossai, he noted that taxpayers were better positioned to demand accountability and transparency in public spending.

He said exemptions placed responsibility on government to create opportunities for low-income earners to grow into higher income brackets.

The governor urged tax authorities to prioritise training, supervision and sustained engagement, especially among frontline officers.

“There must be a conscious effort to make businesses understand that tax payment is a legal obligation,” he said.

Mbah urged CITN to establish pro bono advisory services to support small businesses unable to afford professional consultants.

He emphasised educating taxpayers on their rights, including access to the independent Tax Appeal Tribunal for grievance redress.

The governor advised authorities to adopt flexible approaches for taxpayers in areas with limited internet access, despite growing digitalisation.

Earlier, ESIRS Chairman, Mr Emmanuel Nnamani, described the programme as timely following the tax law’s re-enactment and presidential assent in June 2025.

He said similar engagements had been held nationwide, alongside virtual sessions to educate Nigerians on the new regime.

According to him, the South-East collaboration aimed to strengthen awareness and compliance across the region.

Participants included business owners, academics and representatives of the Tax Appeal Tribunal and Joint Tax Board.

“We are gathered to inform our people about the provisions of the law and how it benefits them. There has been misinformation creating fear.

“This session allows stakeholders to ask questions and gain clarity on compliance requirements in line with global best practice,” Nnamani said.

He urged participants to use the engagement to deepen understanding and reinforce tax compliance in the South-East. (NAN)