PRESIDENT of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), John Jegede, has said that manpower development is crucial for the sustenance of gains made over the years in Nigeria's tax system.He said the proper utilisation of the workforce within the nation's tax system would bring about phenomenal gains to the economy, while assisting in the realisation of the Vision 2020, as well as the transformation agenda of preent administration.Jegede made this declaration at the 26th induction ceremony of the institute's members, in Lagos.According to him, 'the institute is now determined more than ever, to collaborate with various stakeholders to enhance the manpower need of the tax system through training and re-orientation of the workforce in various agencies.'CITN president expressed the view that an 'improved operational efficiency of the Nigerian tax system will accelerate government's efforts, as it leverages on taxation as a viable source of revenue generation.'He added that a full fledged repositioning of the tax system will create new opportunities, which will in turn reduce unemployment and the nation's dependence on oil revenue.Jegede warned that overdependence on oil revenue was not only 'dangerous, but unsustainable.'He therefore, called for co-operation among various levels of government and the institute, which he pointed out will go a long way in improving the effectiveness of their revenue agencies, while at the same time strengthen the confidence of tax payers.In view of this, the CITN president said that the council has approved that the 'existing five faculties shall in future translate to a taxation academy.' He, therefore, called on government and other stakeholders to contribute meaningfully towards the realisation of the vision, as the cost of carrying out research into the development of a tax system is 'becoming expensive'.Jegede urged the inductees to endeavor to contribute in ensuring that CITN continues to maintain an enviable position in the league of professional bodies.Similarly, Chairman of the Membership and Professional Conduct Committee, Adekunle Adeola, said that the institute expects high level of professionalism coupled with honesty and integrity from its members.He added: 'The institute expects fresh ideas for injection as we know you all are pregnant with new ideas. It is expected that as new members, this expectation will not run short, given the fact that the institute is striving and driving towards attaining a desired standard that would stand the test of time and uplift the noble ideals our founding leaders.
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