The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) officially ushered in a new era of leadership with the investiture of Innocent Ohagwa as its 17th president during a grand ceremony held in Lagos on Saturday.
The event, marked by pomp and purpose, saw Ohagwa adorned with the insignia of office, signifying his formal assumption of the institute’s top role.
Ohagwa, a seasoned professional with an illustrious 36-year career, brings a wealth of expertise to the position. A chartered accountant, chartered tax professional, and certified information systems auditor, Ohagwa’s career spans finance, taxation, and information systems.
His 24-year tenure at the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), where he rose to the rank of Coordinating Director of the General Services Group, underscores his deep-rooted experience in Nigeria’s tax ecosystem. His professional journey also includes formative years at Akintola Williams & Co. (now Deloitte), Century Merchant Bank Ltd., and Murtari Dangana & Co., where he honed his skills in auditing, banking, and financial management.
In his acceptance speech, Ohagwa expressed profound gratitude for the trust placed in him by the institute’s past presidents, council members, and general membership. “I am greatly humbled and honored today and forever, as we gather together to celebrate this momentous occasion of the investiture as the 17th President of our illustrious Institute,” he said.
He pledged to dedicate his tenure to advancing the CITN’s 2021–2027 Strategic Plan, titled Developing the Tax Profession, while laying the groundwork for the institute’s next strategic phase beyond 2027. His vision emphasizes continuity, innovation, and collaboration to strengthen Nigeria’s taxation framework.
The investiture drew an impressive array of dignitaries, including representatives from government, academia, and the private sector. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Special Adviser on Taxation and Revenue, Opeyemi Ogungbo, lauded Ohagwa’s appointment, expressing confidence in his ability to drive impactful reforms. “As the president of the institute, his leadership will no doubt inspire confidence among stakeholders and catalyze reforms that would benefit Nigeria and its citizens,” Sanwo-Olu noted.
He also commended the outgoing president, Samuel Agbeluyi, for his distinguished two-year tenure, which brought strategic vision and stability to the institute.
Agbeluyi, in his valedictory address, praised Ohagwa’s selflessness and strength, describing him as a leader who serves without expecting reward. “The institute is blessed to have a man to lead us in the next two years. We can only support him,” Agbeluyi said, signaling a smooth transition and strong institutional support for the new president.
The keynote address, delivered by Prof. Muhammad Mainoma, former Vice Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, set a forward-looking tone for the event. Mainoma emphasized the transformative potential of collaboration in modern taxation systems. “The future of taxation lies in collaboration between tax professionals, government agencies, technology providers, and the public,” he said.
He highlighted the role of collaborative tax platforms, such as open APIs, in streamlining filing and reporting processes. Mainoma also stressed the importance of taxpayer engagement through education and feedback to foster voluntary compliance and trust, as well as the need for regulators and professionals to co-create practical and inclusive tax policies.
The event also saw the presence of notable figures such as Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, underscoring the significance of Ohagwa’s leadership in shaping Nigeria’s fiscal future.
As Ohagwa steps into his role, expectations are high that his extensive experience and strategic vision will propel the CITN to new heights, reinforcing its pivotal role in Nigeria’s taxation landscape.
The institute, under his leadership, is poised to navigate the complexities of an evolving economic environment while fostering innovation and collaboration in tax policy and administration.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
The investiture of Innocent Ohagwa as the 17th president of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) on June 14, 2025, in Lagos marks a significant milestone for the institute and Nigeria’s taxation landscape.
Ohagwa, a seasoned professional with 36 years of experience in finance, taxation, and information systems, including 24 years at the Federal Inland Revenue Service, is poised to lead with a focus on advancing the CITN’s 2021–2027 Strategic Plan and fostering collaboration to drive tax reforms.
