Nami: Why tax administrators should possess tech skills

Muhammad Nami, president of the Commonwealth Association of Tax Administrators (CATA), says tax managers must stay relevant and equipped with adequate and up-to-date technological skills.

Nami spoke at the 2022 CATA senior leadership cohort in London, according to a statement signed by Johannes Wojuola, his special assistant on media and communications.

Nami, who also doubles as the executive chairman of Nigeria’s Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), said tax administrators must keep up with the dynamics occasioned by disruptive new technologies of the 21st century.

He added that administrators must arm themselves with the necessary skills, capacity, and character for effective and efficient tax administration in the fourth industrial revolution era.

“The global tax arena is continually changing,” Nami said.

“The growing reliance on technology for much of basic human needs, social interactions and business dealings means that the tax-turf remains in a state of constant flux.

“The taxman is only able to match the depth and pace of the changes if equipped with relevant, adequate and up-to-date skills.”

Nami further urged them to keep up with the times by improving their skills and competence.

Speaking further, the CATA president commended the association for its investments and contributions through its senior leadership programme, which he noted has helped to bridge the capacity gaps of tax officials in member countries.

“I am glad to note that CATA has, over the years, continued to organise the senior leadership programme in order to meet the capacity development needs of tax officials in commonwealth countries,” Nami said.

“It has become a tradition for CATA to provide participants in this programme with top-notch tuition using case studies in a fun-filled environment.

“The 2022 edition did not depart from this tradition. The classes, according to reports, were very interactive all through the various sessions whether at home, in India or the UK.

“Without doubt, the capacity of participants to lead themselves, to lead others, and to lead their functional units have been greatly enhanced.”

Nami urged the participants (senior tax officials in Commonwealth countries) to put the knowledge and skills they have acquired during the programme to good use for the benefit of their countries.

CATA is an associated organisation of the Commonwealth founded in 1978 with headquarters in London. Its purpose is to promote the improvement of tax administration in its 47 member countries, with emphasis on developing countries.