The Kwara State Government has launched a capacity-building programme to enhance the professional competence of public finance officers in tax administration, tax compliance, and public sector financial management under the 2025 Tax Reform Laws.
Organized by the Office of the Accountant-General in the Ministry of Finance, the training aims to deepen participants’ understanding of the new tax framework and equip them with the technical knowledge and skills needed to implement it effectively.
Speaking during the programme, the State Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Hauwa Nuru, described the training as timely, noting that Nigeria’s tax and public financial management landscape is undergoing significant reforms.
Nuru observed that the public sector operates in an increasingly complex financial environment characterized by rising public expectations, competing development priorities, evolving regulatory requirements, and the need for the prudent management of limited resources.
She emphasized that effective tax administration, voluntary tax compliance, and sound public financial management are essential to sustainable economic growth, efficient service delivery, and good governance.
The Commissioner noted that the 2025 tax reform laws have introduced significant changes to Nigeria’s fiscal and revenue administration framework, with direct implications for government institutions, tax administrators, finance officers, accountants, auditors, and other public sector professionals.
According to her, the successful implementation of the reforms requires a knowledgeable, competent, and professionally equipped workforce capable of understanding the provisions of the laws and applying them effectively.
She urged participants to take full advantage of the training, actively engage in the technical sessions, share professional experiences, and benefit from the expertise of the resource persons.
“Let us approach this capacity-building programme with open minds and a strong commitment to continuous learning, professional excellence, and improved service delivery,” she said.
Nuru expressed optimism that the knowledge and skills acquired would strengthen tax administration, improve compliance, and promote transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public financial management across the state.
She commended the Office of the Accountant-General and the ministry’s management for organizing the programme, calling it a strategic investment in human capacity and institutional development.
Earlier, the State Accountant-General, Mallam AbdulGaniyu Sani, explained that the workshop was organized to strengthen the capacity of public finance personnel and prepare them for the effective implementation of the 2025 tax reforms.
He noted that the success of tax reforms depends not only on the quality of the legislation but also on the competence, integrity, and preparedness of the professionals responsible for implementation.
The technical sessions cover an overview of the 2025 Nigerian Tax Reform Acts, including key provisions, implementation processes, and implications for public sector finance and administration.
Other areas include Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) tax computation under the new laws, its principles and practical application, as well as the administration and understanding of Withholding Tax (WHT), Value Added Tax (VAT), Stamp Duty (SD), and Development Levy (DL) under the new framework.
The programme is expected to enhance professional competence, improve the understanding and application of the new tax laws, strengthen revenue administration, and contribute to a more transparent, accountable, and efficient public financial management system in Kwara State.
