The Secretary to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Prof. Musa Usman Abubakar, has expressed the readiness of the Commission to collaborate with the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) in capacity building efforts and in investigations with regard to tax document analysis.
He made this remark when the leadership of CITN, Abuja chapter, led by its Vice Chairman, Benjamin Enamudu, paid a courtesy call to ICPC headquarters recently.
Prof Abubakar added that the Commission’s Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN) Keffi, which delivers lectures and training courses, will support the Association with subject matter experts.
On his part, ICPC’s Director of Public Enlightenment and Education, Mohammed Ashiru Baba, fsi advised the leadership of CITN to consider infusing the ICPC Act into their Bye-Laws so as to strengthen and guard against the abuse of their Code of Ethics as it is done in the Forums of Professional Associations and Business Organisations.
In his remarks at the visit, the CITN Vice Chairman, Mr. Benjamin Enamudu said that the CITN was seeking for the support of ICPC in its drive to minimise tax evasion in the country.
Mr. Enamadu reiterated the importance of a collaboration with anti-corruption agencies like the ICPC in terms of tax and fiscal policies.
He also expressed their appreciation to ICPC for the visit as he explained that the institute is responsible for the regulation of tax practice in Nigeria, and is open to any collaborations, especially in term of capacity development as regards tax issues and fiscal policies.
A council member of the Institute who also spoke at the event, Dr. Nwabuzor Emeke, disclosed that the introduction of stamp and seal for the council members was one of the innovations to help identify quackery in the system.
He therefore proposed the implemention of joint investigations between CITN and ICPC to apply their joint experience on issues bordering on tax provisions.