Priscilla Christopher-Akpanettot
The Executive Chairman of the Akwa Ibom Internal Revenue Service (AKIRS), Sir Okon Okon, has urged members of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Uyo and District Society, to intensify tax advocacy and use their professional expertise to promote compliance and support ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s tax system.
Okon gave the charge on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, during a reception organised by the CITN Uyo and District Society to celebrate its outstanding performance at the 2026 Annual Tax Conference in Abuja, where the Society won several awards and trophies. He congratulated the members for making Akwa Ibom proud, describing their achievement as evidence of teamwork, professionalism and commitment to the growth of the tax profession.
The AKIRS Chairman particularly commended the Society’s award-winning drama presentation, noting that while the trophies were important, the message conveyed through the performance was more significant. He said the drama effectively communicated the essence of the tax reforms but urged the Society to take the message beyond the conference venue and reach the wider public.
According to him, the ongoing tax reforms have created a favourable environment for the advancement of taxation and provided opportunities for tax practitioners to contribute more meaningfully to the economy. He called on CITN members to support the reforms by educating the public and helping taxpayers understand their obligations, especially with regard to registration, filing of returns and proper tax calculations.
Okon also challenged tax practitioners to take advantage of the opportunities created by the reforms, stressing that there was considerable work to be done in helping individuals and businesses comply with tax requirements. He noted that assisting taxpayers would not only promote voluntary compliance and strengthen government revenue but also create professional opportunities for practitioners.
The AKIRS boss further called for greater investment in the development of young tax professionals and students. He commended members of the University of Uyo Tax Club for their achievements at the conference and urged stakeholders to work towards establishing a Tax Club at Akwa Ibom State University before the end of the year. He also appealed to CITN members to continue working as a team and sustaining the spirit of excellence that earned the Society recognition at the national conference.
He urged members to support the tax reforms and help change public perceptions that often associate them with politics, saying sustained advocacy was needed to make citizens understand the benefits of the reforms. Okon also commended the Federal Government for reducing the tax bracket, describing the move as a positive development, while reaffirming AKIRS’ readiness to partner with CITN in advancing tax education, compliance and professional development in Akwa Ibom State.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of the CITN Uyo and District Society, Dcns. Idorenyin Charles Williams, described their win as a product of commitment, strategic planning, teamwork and dedication.
Williams, who is the sixth and first female chairman of the Society, said the national conference was held in Abuja from May 11 to 16, 2026, adding that the Society had previously participated without winning before adopting a more strategic approach to its preparation.
According to her, the turning point came when the Society constituted a dedicated committee and engaged a professional with expertise in entertainment and stage presentation to prepare its cultural performance. She explained that the approach paid off, as the Society won the national competition for the first time and has maintained the top position for three consecutive years.
The winning presentation, titled “Ke Kpe Tax Mfo”, meaning “Go and Pay Your Tax,” promoted voluntary tax compliance, while the Society also secured a Gold Medal in the conference table tennis competition.
Williams attributed the sustained success to the collective commitment of members and the support of the Executive Chairman of AKIRS, Sir Okon Okon, particularly in ensuring that the Society could meet the required number of 30 participants for its conference committee.
She also praised the University of Uyo Tax Club, noting that the students had continued to complement the Society’s efforts in tax education and awareness, with the team securing first and second positions in its competition. encourage students who serve as ambassadors of tax awareness on campus.
Meanwhile, Sir Okon announced financial support to reward outstanding student performers and absorbed them into his scholarship Foundation to encourage academic excellence.
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