By Elizabeth Osayande

The 17th President of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Mr. Innocent Ohagwa, has called on participants of the 2026 March Legal Practitioners Conversion Training Programme to deepen their understanding beyond mere statutes. He emphasised the need for legal practitioners to interpret these statutes effectively within the contexts of finance, business, and accounting.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the three-day virtual training, where 103 lawyers are attending, Ohagwa, represented by Council Member and Chairman of the Examination Committee of the Institute, Mr. Funsho Abidakun, explained the implications of the new tax reform laws enacted in 2025. “Section 147 defines a tax agent as “any person acknowledged and duly certified by a professional body in Nigeria to represent the taxable person”. This directly touches on the mandate of the CITN under its enabling Act, “Ohagwa stated. “This is not just about compliance; it’s about elevating the standards of taxation practice in Nigeria.”

He continued, “The Conversion Training Programme, approved by the Council of the Institute, reflects our commitment to excellence and fulfils our statutory mandate. It is designed to ensure that anyone seeking to practice taxation in Nigeria attains the essential knowledge and skill sets.”

Ohagwa highlighted the multidisciplinary nature of taxation. “Taxation sits at the intersection of law, economics, business, accounting, and related fields,” he noted. “Legal practitioners already have a robust understanding of Nigeria’s legal framework. However, to become effective tax professionals, one must interpret laws within broader financial contexts.”

Participants can expect a comprehensive curriculum over the course of the training, which includes essential subjects such as Transfer Pricing, Applied Taxation, and Tax Audit and Investigation. “Over the next few days, you will be introduced to the newly enacted tax laws and emerging trends in the global tax environment,” Ohagwa added, stressing the importance of being well-informed in this evolving field.

In her welcoming address, Dr. Titilayo Eni-Itan Fowokan, Chairman of the CITN Tax Academy Committee, underscored the program’s importance for national development. “Legal practitioners are custodians of justice, accountability, and regulatory compliance. By expanding your expertise to include taxation, you become strategic contributors to our nation’s fiscal governance,” she stated.

Fowokan stressed the value of engagement throughout the training, encouraging participants to be active learners. “My simple charge to you is this: remain open, inquisitive, and fully engaged. Take advantage of every session, contribute thoughtfully, and build meaningful connections with your peers.”

Meanwhile, giving the closing remarks, the secretary of the Academy, Mrs. Yetunde Suleiman, tasked the lawyers to uphold the highest form of professionalism while discharging their duties.

Various esteemed speakers, including Barr. Chukwuemeka Eze, Mrs. Bukola Akande, Mr. Olatunji Abdulrasaq, and Dr. Kennedy Iwundu, will share their insights during the training, providing participants with a well-rounded perspective on the current tax landscape in Nigeria.