Vanessa 
Nigeria has assumed a leadership role in West Africa’s taxation sector as Mr. Samuel Agbeluyi, President of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), emerges as the new head of the West African Union of Tax Institutes (WAUTI). His election took place during the union’s 11th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on February 27, 2025, in Accra, Ghana.
With this development, Nigeria will steer WAUTI’s affairs for the next two years, reinforcing its influence in regional tax administration. WAUTI, an umbrella body for National Tax Institutes within the ECOWAS region, is committed to advancing tax professionalism, improving compliance, and streamlining tax policies among member states.
A Vision for Regional Tax Harmonization
The union’s primary vision is to harmonize taxation practices across West Africa, ensuring a transparent and equitable system that strengthens economic growth. It also seeks to uphold high professional standards, foster collaboration, and enhance the competence and integrity of tax practitioners.
Mr. Agbeluyi, a seasoned tax expert with extensive experience, has previously served WAUTI as Honorary Treasurer and 2nd Vice President. As the 16th President of CITN, Nigeria’s foremost tax institute, he brings a strong pedigree to his new role.
A distinguished professional, Agbeluyi is a member of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), the Institute of Directors (CIoD) Nigeria, and a Fellow of both the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS).
Commitment to Advancing Tax Administration
In his acceptance speech, he expressed gratitude to WAUTI member bodies for entrusting Nigeria with the leadership role. He pledged to collaborate with executives and stakeholders to drive professionalism in tax systems across ECOWAS nations, aligning with WAUTI’s objectives.
The AGM also saw the re-election of Mr. Innocent Ohagwa, Vice President of CITN, as WAUTI’s Honorary Treasurer for the 2025–2027 period.
With Nigeria at the helm, WAUTI is expected to strengthen regional tax policies, promote compliance, and enhance economic cooperation across West Africa.
