UNILORIN Tax Club advocates practical reforms in tax administration
By Afeez Agbaje
The Staff Adviser of the Tax Club, University of Ilorin, Dr Hafsat Iyabo Sa’adu, has called for practical reforms that would address persistent challenges in tax administration, compliance, and advisory services.
Dr Sa’adu made the proposal penultimate Thursday (June 11, 2026) while speaking at the 2026 National Tax Colloquium (NTC) 5.0, themed “Tax Reform in Practice: Addressing Stakeholders’ Challenges in Administration and Compliance”, at the UNILORIN Law Faculty Moot Court.
She described taxation as one of Nigeria’s most significant sources of public revenue, second only to the petroleum sector.
Dr Sa’adu noted that corruption, poor accountability, and lack of transparency in the management of tax revenues continue to undermine taxpayers’ confidence and compliance.
She expressed optimism that the resource persons would provide practical and sustainable solutions to these challenges while commending their commitment to mentoring the next generation of tax professionals.
Delivering the keynote address, tilted “Empowering Young Minds to Shape Tax Policy and Innovation,” Mr Abdullahi Gegele of the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS) challenged students and young professionals to position themselves as active contributors to the future of tax administration rather than passive observers.
Mr Gegele stressed that the perspectives, creativity, and technological skills of the young people are essential to developing responsive tax policies and innovative solutions that can meet the demands of a rapidly evolving economy.
He also encouraged aspiring tax professionals to invest in continuous learning, research, and ethical leadership, noting that innovation in taxation extends beyond digital tools to include fresh ideas that simplify compliance, improve taxpayer engagement, and enhance public trust.
The taxation expert urged participants to embrace opportunities for collaboration and professional development, describing the younger generation as critical partners in building a more efficient, transparent, and sustainable tax system in Nigeria.
Also speaking, the Vice President of the Tax Club, Miss Abimbola Amao, welcomed participants to the fifth edition of the National Tax Colloquium, describing it as a platform that bridged theoretical knowledge with practical realities in taxation.
She observed that while Nigeria has made remarkable progress in tax policy reforms, the true measure of success lies in effective implementation by administrators, taxpayers, and advisers.
Miss Amao urged participants to actively engage in discussions and collaborations aimed at building a fair, transparent, and efficient tax system.
The event was also attended by several dignitaries including Mallam Sharafadeen Alaya of the KWIRS; the Head of the Tax Department at Babatunde Yunus & Co., Ms Susan Omokore; Mr Daramola Emmanuel, and Mr. Oluwatosin of KWIRS, who shared professional insights on contemporary issues affecting tax administration and compliance in Nigeria.
