Fowler, FIRS chairman, elected president of African tax body

Babatunde Fowler, executive chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), has been elected president of the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF).

At the election, which held in Pretoria, South Africa, on Wednesday, Fowler polled 13 votes ahead of the four secured by his Togolese opponent.

In his acceptance speech on behalf of Nigeria, Fowler pledged to expand the membership of the Forum for  the continent’s development.

“Our goal shall be to aid the generation of revenue efficiently and sufficiently for the growth of all members,” Fowler said.

An official of Mauritius was voted vice-president.

Also elected into the 10-country council were South Africa, Ghana, Burundi, Uganda and Liberia.

The 36 member-forum is made up of tax collecting agencies across Africa.

Launched in November 2009 in Kampala, Uganda, ATAF‘s mission is to provide a platform to improve the capacity, capability and performance of tax administrations in Africa.