By Asuquo Edem
Stakeholders in Nigeria's tax administration and business sectors have underscored the importance of tax awareness, voluntary compliance and ongoing fiscal reforms as critical drivers of sustainable economic growth, improved revenue generation and shared prosperity.
The consensus was reached on Friday at the One-Day Tax Awareness Seminar organised by the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Uyo and District Society, in collaboration with the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) and the Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service (AKIRS), at the ICT Hall, Office of the Accountant-General, State Secretariat, Uyo.
The seminar, which formed part of activities marking the 2026 Tax Awareness Week, was themed "Tax Awareness for National Growth: Reforms, Compliance and Shared Prosperity."
Delivering the welcome remarks, Chairman of the CITN Uyo and District Society, Dens Idorenyin Charles William, FCTI, described taxation as the lifeblood of government and an indispensable tool for nation-building. She observed that although Nigeria is implementing far-reaching tax reforms aimed at simplifying tax administration, improving transparency and broadening the tax base, such reforms can only succeed with adequate public awareness and voluntary compliance.
She noted that tax professionals have a responsibility to educate taxpayers, promote ethical tax practices and build confidence in the tax system, adding that improved tax awareness would ultimately strengthen government revenue and guarantee shared prosperity.
In his keynote address, the Executive Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service, Sir Okon Okon, said Nigeria is currently undergoing one of the most comprehensive tax reform programmes in its history, aimed at modernising the country's fiscal framework and creating a transparent, efficient and investment-friendly tax environment.
According to him, the reforms seek to simplify tax administration, strengthen taxpayer rights, eliminate multiple taxation, improve the ease of doing business and support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through simplified compliance procedures and targeted relief measures.
He further stated that technology-driven tax administration has become central to the reforms, with digital platforms improving taxpayer registration, payment systems, reporting, monitoring and accountability while reducing human interface.
Sir Okon maintained that Internally Generated Revenue remains indispensable for financing development, especially as governments increasingly rely on domestic resources to fund infrastructure, healthcare, education and other critical services.
He stressed that tax education and awareness creation must remain continuous, involving governments, tax authorities, practitioners and other stakeholders, adding that the ultimate objective of taxation is to improve citizens' living standards through investments in human capital, infrastructure and social protection.
Chairman of the occasion, Elder Isaiah Ntekim, FCTI, observed that many Nigerians still associate taxation solely with government's quest for revenue, explaining why citizens often become apprehensive whenever tax officials are seen.
He noted that many taxpayers also doubt government's transparency and accountability in the management of tax revenue, insisting that the ongoing reforms are designed to simplify tax administration, strengthen public confidence and encourage voluntary compliance.
The seminar featured two technical paper presentations. The first paper, "Tax Awareness for National Growth: Reforms, Compliance and Shared Prosperity," was presented by Mr. Ifiok O. Udo, FCTI, Managing Partner, Ifiok Udo & Co., Chartered/Forensic Accountant and Tax Practitioner. He highlighted the importance of tax education, ethical compliance and stakeholder collaboration in supporting Nigeria's ongoing fiscal reforms and driving sustainable national development.
The second presentation, titled "Nigeria 2025 Tax Reforms: Impact on Business Compliance, Taxpayer Obligation and Revenue Generation," was delivered by Mr. Victor Dakpokpo, Deputy General Manager, Tax Administration and Advisory, TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited. He examined the implications of the new tax reforms on businesses, taxpayers and revenue generation, urging organisations to embrace the reforms as a pathway to improved compliance, enhanced competitiveness and sustainable economic growth.
Both presentations were followed by panel discussions and interactive question-and-answer sessions, providing participants with the opportunity to engage experts on contemporary issues affecting Nigeria's tax system.
Earlier, as part of activities commemorating the Tax Awareness Week, members of the Institute embarked on a road walk through major streets of Uyo, carrying out public sensitisation campaigns with a stopover at Etuk Street Market, where traders and residents were educated on the importance of tax compliance and the benefits of the ongoing reforms.
The seminar attracted tax professionals, policymakers, business leaders, academics, public servants and other stakeholders. Among those in attendance were the Permanent Secretary and Accountant-General, Pastor Uwem Andrew, represented by Iniobong Essien; the Chief Financial Officer of Ibom Air, Mr. Ofunbuk Akpan, alongside several industry experts and practitioners.
Participants unanimously agreed that strengthening tax awareness, embracing voluntary compliance and sustaining the ongoing reforms would not only improve government revenue but also create an enabling environment for investment, job creation, economic expansion and inclusive national development.
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