Gambiaj.com – (LAGOS, Nigeria) – The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) has sent a delegation of tax officials to Lagos, Nigeria, for specialized training on auditing in the oil and gas sector. The program, hosted by the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), runs from January 13 to 20, 2025, and underscores the growing collaboration in tax administration within the West African region.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr. Samuel Agbeluyi, President and Chairman of the CITN Council, highlighted the institute’s commitment to advancing tax administration and fostering regional development. “It is of great benefit to the institute that we are being recognized beyond the shores of Nigeria, adding value to our brothers and sisters from the West African coast. This is how the Black race should go,” he remarked.

The training, specifically tailored to oil and gas taxation, has earned widespread recognition among West African countries. According to Agbeluyi, the positive feedback from previous training sessions has fueled continued collaboration and interest.

“Not only are they happy to come and take us as their trainer, but they are also spreading the word to other West African countries about what CITN in Nigeria is doing to enhance tax administration and practice,” he said.

Agbeluyi emphasized the importance of regional partnerships, noting that Nigeria also benefits from sharing knowledge with other nations. He reaffirmed the CITN’s vision of positioning Nigeria as a global leader in tariff law and tax reforms, calling such collaborations a testament to the country’s pivotal role in Africa’s development.

Deputy Commissioner of the GRA, Fafanding Cham, praised the initiative as a crucial step in strengthening The Gambia’s tax administration capabilities. “We are here to build the capacities of our tax officials to audit oil companies and mobilize the much-needed revenue for our government. Domestic revenue mobilization is a priority, and this training equips us with the necessary skills to scrutinize records and ensure compliance,” Cham said.

He noted that while The Gambia has not yet started oil production, the country is taking proactive steps to prepare. “There are strong indications oil production will happen soon. We don’t want to wait until that time to prepare. We are building capacity now,” he explained.

Cham expressed gratitude for Nigeria’s support, describing the collaboration as a testament to the country’s leadership within Africa. “Nigeria, as a big brother, has shown unwavering generosity in helping smaller countries like Gambia develop their economies. The partnership underscores the shared vision of regional development within the ECOWAS framework,” he added.

This marks the second oil and gas-focused collaboration between the GRA and CITN, further solidifying Nigeria’s reputation as a hub for advanced tax education in the region. Agbeluyi and Cham’s remarks highlight the shared goals of fostering economic growth and enhancing tax compliance across Africa.