The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) has officially inaugurated Innocent Ohagwa as its 17th President.
The investiture ceremony took place on Saturday in Lagos, where Ohagwa was formally decorated with the institute’s insignia of office.
Ohagwa is a seasoned professional with over 36 years of experience in finance, taxation, and information systems.
He is a Chartered Accountant, Chartered Tax Professional, former banker, and Certified Information Systems Auditor.
His distinguished career includes 24 years at the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), where he rose to the role of Coordinating Director of the General Services Group. Earlier in his career, he held roles at Akintola Williams & Co (now Deloitte), Century Merchant Bank Ltd, and Murtari Dangana & Co.
He succeeds Samuel Agbeluyi, who served as CITN President for the past two years.
In his acceptance speech, Ohagwa expressed deep gratitude and a sense of responsibility. “I am greatly humbled and honoured 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. “It is a privilege to lead an organisation that has played a pivotal role in shaping the taxation landscape of Nigeria.”
Ohagwa pledged to continue building on the achievements of the institute’s 2021–2027 Strategic Plan titled Developing the Tax Profession. He also committed to laying the foundation for the next strategic plan post-2027.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Special Adviser on Taxation and Revenue, Opeyemi Ogungbo; Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele; and former Vice Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Prof. Muhammad Mainoma, who delivered the keynote address.
In his remarks, Sanwo-Olu praised Ohagwa’s leadership potential: “As the president of the institute, his leadership will no doubt inspire confidence among stakeholders and catalyse reforms that would benefit Nigeria and its citizens.”
He also commended the outgoing president, Samuel Agbeluyi, for his impactful two-year tenure, describing him as a leader with strategic vision and a wealth of experience.
In his valedictory speech, Agbeluyi praised Ohagwa’s selfless character and strong values. “I’m happy to be handing over to a man who offers service without expecting a reward, who has a lot of strength.
The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria is blessed to have him lead us for the next two years. We can only support him,” he said.
Prof. Mainoma, in his keynote address, emphasized the importance of collaboration in shaping the future of taxation. “The future of taxation lies in collaboration between tax professionals, government agencies, technology providers, and the public,” he stated. “Collaborative platforms such as open APIs, engagement through education and feedback, and cooperation between regulators and professionals are essential to building practical and inclusive tax policies.”
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The investiture marked a significant leadership transition for CITN, reinforcing its commitment to advancing tax practice and policy in Nigeria.
