FG Considers Career Path for Tax Professionals in Civil Service
By Patience Ikpeme
The Federal Government is considering creating a career path for tax professionals within the federal civil service, a move that would grant them similar recognition to that of lawyers and medical doctors.
The Accountant General of the Federation, Dr. Shamisldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi, announced the plan during a recent meeting with a delegation from the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) in Abuja.
According to a statement from Bawa Mokwa, Director of Press & Public Relations in the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), Dr. Ogunjimi received the CITN delegation, led by its President, Mr. Innocent C. Ohagwa.
The Accountant General stated that the request for a defined career progression, with a proposed entry point at Grade Level 10, would be presented to the Head of Service of the Federation for review. He explained that tax professionals are deserving of formal recognition within the civil service structure, just like other specialized professions such as medicine and law.
Dr. Ogunjimi also commented on the nation’s **fiscal landscape**, stating that Nigeria is at the cusp of significant reforms following the recent enactment of new **Tax Reform Acts**. He believes that the full implementation of these acts will transform the country’s finances by boosting revenue generation and curbing financial leaks. The Accountant General also revealed plans to upgrade the Treasury Academy in Orozo into a premier training institute. The goal is to provide world-class training to accountants, thereby enhancing professionalism and strengthening the national economy.
In his address, CITN President, Mr. Innocent C. Ohagwa, congratulated Dr. Ogunjimi on his appointment, calling it a result of his competence and long-standing service. He formally requested that the Accountant General forward the institute’s plea for a clear career progression for tax professionals to the Head of Service.
Mr. Ohagwa also spoke on the importance of taxation in Nigeria’s economic growth and called for a stronger partnership between the CITN and the Office of the Accountant General. He suggested that such a collaboration, especially in staff training and capacity building, would align the skills of accountants with global best practices and the ongoing reforms in the tax sector.
