The Catholic Bishops of the Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province have appealed to the Federal Government to ensure that Nigeria’s newly implemented tax laws are guided by fairness, transparency, and compassion, warning that harsh policies could deepen the suffering of millions of citizens.
The bishops made the call in a communiqué issued at the end of their first provincial meeting held in Ibadan, Oyo State.
They expressed concern that tax policies lacking a “human face” risk worsening the economic hardship already confronting many Nigerians, especially the poor and vulnerable.
According to the clerics, while they acknowledge the intention of the Federal Government to reform Nigeria’s tax system, the manner of implementation has generated widespread anxiety and controversy across the country.
DAILY POST reports that the tax reforms were initiated by the administration of President Bola Tinubu, signed into law on June 26, 2025, and officially took effect on January 1, 2026.
“The reforms must be guided by fairness, transparency, and accountability,” the bishops stated. “Government should give the reforms a human face and allow the most vulnerable among us the latitude to adjust to the new tax regimes before applying the full force of the law.”
The Catholic leaders urged authorities to balance revenue generation with social responsibility, stressing that economic policies must prioritise the dignity and welfare of the people.
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