BY COBHAM NSA – Executive Chairman of Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and President of Commonwealth Association of Tax Administrators (CATA), Muhammad Nami, has assured of robust collaboration with development partners to reposition the body for effective service delivery in the next three years.
Nami, who spoke at the maiden face-to-face meeting with the CATA Secretariat at the United Kingdom’s Treasury House on Friday, said his tenure is focused on stronger relationships towards achieving the Association’s short and long term goals and objectives.
This is as CATA boss and his team received briefing on the Association’s governance structure; current efforts at serving the common interest of member nations; and future opportunities, especially in capacity building and creating networks for members.
Nami also use the opportunity of the training organized by the Joint Tax Board of Nigeria (JTBN) in the UK and the CATA inaugural meeting to hold a bilateral meeting with Ms. Antonia Strachey of the Public Finance and Tax Department, UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) on issues of mutual benefit to the revenue authorities of both countries.
In attendance at the meeting were executives of the CATA Secretariat, including the Association’s Executive Director, Mr Duncan Onduru; the Vice Chairman, Mr. Jon Swerdlow; and Ms. Megan Jones.
On his part, the FIRS Chairman was accompanied to the meeting by Mr. Olufemi Olarinde, Nigeria’s CATA Country Correspondent; Mr. Johannes Wojuola -Special Assistant to the Executive Chairman on Media and Communication; and Mr. Jibrin Salihu – Personal Assistant to the Executive Chairman
Also present were representatives of the UK Government’s Tax Authority, Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), including Ms Fiona Hay – Head of Capacity Building and International Relations; Mr. Mahtab Hashim – Capacity Building Unit; and Ms. Jasmine Taylor – Director of Senior Leadership Programme.
On Friday, October 12, 2021, the 47 member countries of CATA unanimously elected Nami at its General Meeting as the 15th President.
Established in 1978 in London, CATA is an accredited association focused on promoting all aspects of tax administration within the Commonwealth with particular emphasis on the developing countries.
