By Correspondent in Abuja.
An NGO, Open Africa Foundation, has called on Nigerians to unite in the fight against corruption and embrace a culture of accountability and responsible citizenship.
The Chairman of the foundation, Mr. Tunji Aworinde, made the call on Tuesday at the 10th anniversary of the foundation’s annual conference held in Abuja, stressing the need for transparency, good governance, and citizen participation in tackling Nigeria’s lingering challenges, including poverty, insecurity, and corruption.
“At times, impact is not measured by numbers but by commitment, integrity, and passion,” he said.
He explained that the foundation engages policymakers by forwarding its conference reports to the President, Vice President, Chief Justice of Nigeria, and other relevant government institutions to influence reforms and policy decisions.
According to him, Nigeria requires organised and responsible collective action to overcome its developmental setbacks, noting that good governance must go hand in hand with responsible citizenship.
“We must do away with bad citizenship, from petty corruption to unsafe habits, if we want good governance,” he added.
Aworinde said the conference was designed to inspire both leaders and citizens to work together for lasting national transformation.
Speaking on the Tax Reforms Act, the President of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Mr. Innocent Ohagwa, emphasised the importance of tax compliance and the role of recent reforms in supporting Nigerians across income levels.
He said the new tax policies were designed to provide relief for low- and middle-income earners, while promoting fairness, awareness, and compliance among all taxpayers.
“The essence of these reforms is to sensitise stakeholders on the four key Tax Reform Acts and encourage compliance,” Ohagwa stated.
He explained that the reforms aim to eliminate duplication between federal and state tax systems, with full harmonisation expected by January 2026.
According to him, Nigeria’s tax administration had long been constrained by multiplicity, outdated practices, and limited capacity,challenges the new reforms are set to address.
“This reform is critical for the country, and it requires the support of every stakeholder to achieve its intended impact,” Ohagwa concluded.
Our correspondent reports that the three-day conference has as theme: “Financial Crimes, Cross-Border Crime and Government Integrity.”
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
