Celebrating The Legacy Of Integrity, Impact & Influence Of Nigeria Doyenne Of Taxation, Mrs. Morenike Babington-Ashaye At 77.
By Charles Segun Adegbite
At 77, Mrs. Morenike Tejuade Babington-Ashaye, FCA, FCTI, stands not only as a remarkable pioneer in Nigeria’s financial and taxation landscape but also as a fearless advocate for good governance and a more equitable society. Her life’s journey is an inspiring odyssey of service, scholarship, and social impact—one that has transformed Nigeria’s tax practice and resonated far beyond its borders.
A Trailblazer in Taxation and Accounting
Born on May 15, 1948, in Shagamu, Remo, Ogun State, Morenike Babington-Ashaye emerged from humble beginnings to become a formidable figure in the world of accounting and tax administration. Her professional journey began with a solid foundation, earning her qualification from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants in 1977. Her early training with the global accounting firm Coopers & Lybrand sparked a lifelong passion for tax law and practice.
A key milestone in her career was her foundational role in the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), an institution now recognized as the authoritative body in professional tax practice and ethics in Nigeria. Through this platform, she helped establish structures that continue to uphold transparency and professionalism in the nation’s tax administration.
Under her leadership, Ogun State witnessed strategic reforms that improved tax collection efficiency and boosted public confidence in the system.
She would go on to found and preside over the International Centre for Tax Research and Development, as well as ACCERS – Accounting Education and Research Services. These institutions stand today as monuments to her vision of a Nigeria where taxation is not just a tool for revenue generation, but a powerful instrument for social equity and national development.
Driving Reform with Courage and Clarity
Mrs. Babington-Ashaye’s appointment as Chairman of the Ogun State Internal Revenue Service in 2003 marked a turning point in state-level tax governance. Her tenure was described by many as bold, innovative, and principled. Under her leadership, Ogun State witnessed strategic reforms that improved tax collection efficiency and boosted public confidence in the system.
She helped raised the Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, of Ogun State from N100 million monthly when she took over in 2003 to N500million in 2005. And the IGR increased to about N1billion in 2009 before the global economic meltdown affected the State that is known nationwide as the Gateway.
Beyond boardrooms and government halls, Mrs. Babington-Ashaye has left an indelible mark in academia
She further served as a member of the Joint Tax Board of Nigeria, where her voice consistently championed a fairer, more inclusive tax policy framework. Her national and international influence was evident even earlier, between 1992 and 1997, when she was appointed by the Commonwealth Secretariat as a field expert in Tanzania. There, she worked as a senior lecturer at the Institute of Finance Management in Dar es Salaam, setting up the first Accounting Laboratory to enhance practical learning for students—another testament to her enduring commitment to education.
An Educator and Advocate with a Conscience
Beyond boardrooms and government halls, Mrs. Babington-Ashaye has left an indelible mark in academia. As Head of Department of Accountancy and Banking at Lagos State Polytechnic, and later as Principal Lecturer at Yaba College of Technology, she mentored countless students who now populate leadership roles across Nigeria’s finance and public sectors. Her pedagogical legacy is reflected in her passion for bridging theory and practice in accounting education.
Her voice also resonates in the public sphere. A seasoned commentator on public affairs, she has used various media platforms to raise awareness about taxation, governance, and economic policy. Most recently, she courageously called on the Federal Government to reconsider its proposed increase of VAT from 7.5% to 10%, warning that such a move would deepen economic hardship for ordinary Nigerians.
She urged a more nuanced approach to taxation—advocating against arbitrary classifications of taxable goods and championing the abolition of import duties to boost domestic manufacturing. Her ideas reflect not just technical expertise, but a deep empathy for the lived realities of citizens.
A Life of Service, a Legacy of Integrity
At 77, Mrs. Morenike Babington-Ashaye is not slowing down. She remains a beacon of wisdom and integrity in an era where Nigeria yearns for reform-minded leaders with moral clarity. Her life’s work continues to inspire a new generation of tax professionals, policy makers, and civic leaders who are committed to building a just and prosperous Nigeria.
At 77, Mrs. Morenike Babington-Ashaye is not slowing down. She remains a beacon of wisdom and integrity in an era where Nigeria yearns for reform-minded leaders with moral clarity.
As we celebrate this icon at 77, we do so not just with admiration, but with deep gratitude. For every reform she pioneered, every student she mentored, and every policy she influenced, Nigeria is better.
It is not an over
Happy 77th Birthday, Mrs. Morenike Tejuade Babington-Ashaye — a matriarch of taxation, a custodian of accountability, and a champion of a better tomorrow.
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