FIRS Boss Canvasses Capacity Building For CATA Members
BY BLESSING NKEREUWEM – President of the Commonwealth Association of Tax Administrators (CATA) and Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, has canvassed increased capacity building to enhance tax administration processes among member countries.
Adedeji, who spoke at the opening of CATA’s management meeting in Marlborough House, Pall Mall, London, said expanding the capacity of tax personnel in CATA member countries would empower them to deal with the challenges that negatively impact the tax administration landscape on the global stage.
According to the CATA President, who also backed adopting technology to improve tax processes, “The rapid advancement in tax technology and digitization has presented both opportunities and challenges for tax administrators worldwide”, noting that improved skills and knowledge by stakeholders would make it easy to understand and contribute towards transparent and beneficial rules for each member nation.
A statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Dare Adekanmbi, further quoted the FIRS Chairman as saying; “The discussions surrounding pillars one and two of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) have the potential to redefine international tax rules. Additionally, the landmark tax convention resolution at the United Nations (UN) Assembly has underscored the importance of international cooperation and inclusivity of all in addressing tax challenges.
“In light of these developments, it has become increasingly evident that the need for improved and more comprehensive capacity building for CATA members is paramount. It is imperative to equip ourselves with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand these evolving discussions and contribute to formulating transparent and beneficial rules for our respective jurisdictions.
“Moreover, we must be prepared to effectively implement these rules once they are concluded, to ensure their successful integration into our tax administration frameworks and maximize the benefit they will bring”.
Referencing that the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) pillars one and two deal with how to expand tax revenue annually based on the profit thresholds of companies that do not operate physically in countries but make sales from such countries through digital platforms or other means, Adedeji lauded the Management Committee and members who have agreed to host the body’s programmes in 2024.
For the CATA President, such commitment is a testament to the members’ devotion to the success of the Association’s strategic plan going forward
The management meeting was attended by Tax administrators from the United Kingdom (His Majesty Revenue and Customs), Australia, Canada, Barbados, Papa New Guinea, Malaysia, Ghana, Lesotho, Uganda, Mauritius, Maldives, and Nigeria, among others.
