FIC Report (Benue State) – The Benue State District of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) on Thursday, June 25, 2026, joined other districts across the country in the 2026 National Tax Awareness Day sensitization campaign aimed at promoting tax compliance and strengthening public understanding of taxation.
The nationwide campaign was held under the theme, “Tax Awareness for National Growth: Reform, Compliance and Shared Prosperity.” The awareness walk in Makurdi was organized in collaboration with the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) and the Benue State Internal Revenue Service (BIRS).
Leading participants during the awareness walk, the Chairman of CITN Benue District, Mr. Orjiir Gbande FCTI, emphasized the importance of taxation to national development, noting that a robust, transparent and compliant tax system remains critical to economic growth and sustainable development.
He encouraged taxpayers to seek clarification on tax-related issues and stressed that taxes should only be paid through approved government channels and not into private accounts. According to him, proper tax compliance enables the government at all levels to execute developmental projects such as road construction, healthcare delivery, education and other public services.
Mr. Gbande explained that all forty-nine CITN districts across Nigeria were united in the nationwide sensitization campaign designed to bridge the gap between tax authorities and citizens while promoting voluntary tax compliance.
As part of activities marking the 2026 National Tax Awareness Day, tax experts participated in live radio discussions on Wednesday, June 24, where they addressed critical tax-related questions from members of the public.
The programme also featured Tax Clinics, providing taxpayers with opportunities to receive professional advice and guidance on their tax obligations and concerns.
In addition, CITN organized educational competitions for students across the three geopolitical zones of Benue State through its annual Essay Competition.
In the secondary school category, the winners were:
Abdullahi-Dankeji of Vaatia College, Makurdi – 1st Position
Akase Tesem Samuel of Federal Government College, Vandeikya – 1st Position
Orgba Ann Doochivir of Our Lady of Mount Carmel College, Makurdi – 2nd Position
Agbedeh Iveren Rita of Our Lady of Mount Carmel College, Makurdi – 3rd Position
Otor Mary of Government Girls College, Makurdi – 3rd Position
In the tertiary institutions category, all winners emerged from Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi:
Akodi Loveth – 1st Position
Odang Joshua Ubewu – 2nd Position
Ichur Raphael Titor – 3rd Position
The awards were presented by the Tax Controller of the Nigeria Revenue Service in Benue State, Mrs. Rose Bem-Ugoh.
Another major activity of the campaign was the SME and Business Sensitization Exercise carried out along major roads within Makurdi metropolis. The exercise targeted small and medium-scale enterprises, providing guidance on tax obligations and procedures for compliance.
Public lectures and seminars were also organized to provide deeper insights into fiscal policies, tax reforms and their impact on economic development.
The organizers reiterated that economic progress is a collective responsibility and that proper taxation remains essential for improved infrastructure, sustainable development and long-term economic stability.
Members of the public were encouraged to visit the tax clinics, participate in tax awareness activities and contribute to building a stronger tax culture for national growth and shared prosperity.
VERONICA AZEMBA
For Head of Center FIC Makurd
