An NGZo, Open Africa Foundation, on Tuesday, called on Nigerians to come together in the campaign against corruption.
The Chairman of the foundation, Tunji Aworinde, gave the charge at the 10th anniversary of the annual conference in Abuja.
Aworinde said there was need for accountability, good governance and citizen responsibility in the country.
He said the event was motivated by the need to confront the country’s persistent challenges, including poverty, insecurity, corruption, among others.
“At times, impact is not measured by numbers, but by commitment, integrity, and passion,” he said.
Aworinde stated that the foundation actively engages policymakers, sending the conference reports to the president, vice president, chief justice of the Nigeria, and other relevant government agencies to influence decisions and reforms.
He said there must be organised and responsible action to tackle the challenges facing the nation, adding that good governance must be paired with responsible citizenship.
“We must do away with bad citizenship, from petty corruption to unsafe habits, if we want good governance,” he said.
The conference, he said, sought to encourage both leaders and citizens to work together for lasting national change.
Speaking on tax reforms Act, Innocent Ohagwa, President of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), emphasised the importance of tax compliance and the role of recent tax reforms in supporting citizens across different income levels.
Ohagwa explained that the reforms are designed to provide relief to the less privileged and the middle class, while also promoting awareness and compliance among all taxpayers.
“The essence of the reforms is to sensitise stakeholders on the four key Tax Reform Acts and encourage compliance.
“While exemptions and waivers exist, taxpayers cannot fully optimise these benefits without proper registration and adherence,” he said.
Ohagwa said that the reforms would address issues of duplication at both federal and state levels with full harmonisation expected by January.
He said Nigeria’s tax system was previously hindered by multiplicity, outdated practices and limited capacity.
He said the new reforms aimed at addressing these challenges.
According to him, relevant authorities are working diligently to ensure a smoother, more efficient tax administration framework.
“This reform is critical for the country, and it requires the support of every stakeholder to achieve its intended impact,” Ohagwa concluded.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the three-day conference is titled: “Financial Crimes, Cross-Border Crime and Government Integrity.”
