By Theresa Donatus, Uyo
As Nigeria pushes for economic revival through non-oil revenue sources, taxation professionals, policymakers, and academics gathered in Uyo yesterday for a high-level national workshop organized by the Society of Women in Taxation (SWIT).
The one-day event focused on redefining Nigeria’s tax culture as a pathway to sustainable development was held at Bezaleel Hall in Akwa Ibom State, on the theme:“Enhancing Economic Development and Sustainability in Nigeria Through Effective Taxation.”
The event served as a platform for critical dialogue around tax reforms, fiscal accountability, and the integration of health and leadership into economic productivity.
Opening the session, Dr. Innocent Chinyere Ohagwa, the 17th President of SWIT, called for greater emphasis on capacity-building. “While today’s presentations may not provide all the solutions, they are critical steps toward a better economic future,” he said, stressing the role of consistent professional learning in effective tax administration.
SWIT’s 6th National Chairperson, Dr. Caroline Ndubuisi, FCTI, welcomed participants with a strong call for action: “We must challenge old systems, push for equity, and use taxation as a force for national transformation.”
Delivering the keynote on behalf of Akwa Ibom State AKIRS Chairman, Mr. Okon Okon, tax expert Mr. Mike Etefia, FCA, ACTI, presented reforms that increased Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio from 10% to 13.5% in 2024.
Etefia advocated for broadening the tax base, embracing digital solutions like AI and TaxPro-Max, reforming tax incentives for fairness, and fostering voluntary compliance, particularly in states.
To him , “Tax is an economic tool,not just a revenue generator,”
He cited Nordic countries as examples of how strategic taxation can fund quality public services without compromising competitiveness.
Prof. Emmanuel Daferighe of the University of Uyo gave a technical breakdown of Nigeria’s newly enacted tax laws, effective January 1, 2026. These include: Nigeria Tax Act, 2025; Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025; Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, 2025; Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2025.
“Implementation must go beyond the law—it must build public trust,” Prof. Daferighe said. He highlighted the need for better digital infrastructure and accountability among tax authorities.
Adding a human-centered perspective, Pastor Mrs. Imaobong Andrew Essien, ACA, ACTI, spoke on the link between personal health and national productivity. She likened poor tax systems to cancer, stating, “It is only the living who pay and collect tax. A healthy population sustains economic life.”
She advised on preventive health habits including regular checkups, exercise, and stress reduction. “You don’t have to wait to be sick before you live healthy. Prevention is power,” she said.
Dr. Eunice Thomas, the Chancellor of the Eunice Thomas Leadership Academy, addressed the leadership dimension of fiscal reform. She outlined strategies for leading effective teams and translating tax policy from theory to action.
Dcns. Stella Thomas Effiong, FCTI, SWIT’s Akwa Ibom Chapter Coordinator, gave the vote of thanks. She praised the collaboration of stakeholders and reaffirmed SWIT’s dedication to building a more effective tax ecosystem in Nigeria.
The event concluded with a joint resolution for deeper stakeholder collaboration, public education on tax benefits, and ethical enforcement of Nigeria’s new tax laws.