Catholic Bishops Urge FG to Implement Tax Reforms with Compassion

Catholic bishops of the Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province have called on the Federal Government to ensure that ongoing tax reforms are implemented with fairness, transparency, and compassion. They warned that policies lacking a human dimension could intensify the economic hardship faced by millions of Nigerians.

The appeal came at the conclusion of the bishops’ first provincial meeting for 2026, held in Ibadan, Oyo State. In a communiqué titled “Sustaining Hope and Strengthening Our Good Efforts,” the bishops acknowledged the government’s efforts to reform the tax system but noted that the measures have sparked public concern, particularly among vulnerable populations.

“The reforms must be guided by fairness, transparency and accountability. Government should give the reforms a human face and allow the most vulnerable among us time to adjust before enforcing the full provisions of the law,” the communiqué stated.

The bishops cautioned that insensitive economic policies could exacerbate inequality and social tension. They emphasized that taxation should not become an additional burden on citizens already grappling with inflation, unemployment, and rising living costs.

While urging patience among Nigerians, the church leaders stressed that patience must be met with visible accountability from government and tax authorities. They also reflected on broader socio-economic challenges, calling on governments at all levels to prioritize security, healthcare, infrastructure development, and the creation of an enabling environment for economic growth.

The bishops expressed deep concern over the ongoing health workers’ strike, describing it as tragic and unacceptable for ordinary citizens who face restricted access to essential healthcare services. They also criticised the poor state of major road networks, particularly in the South-West, and highlighted instances of underperformance in some federal and state ministries despite ongoing reforms.

Reaffirming the church’s commitment to social justice, the bishops urged Nigerians to maintain hope and combine prayer with responsible citizenship, hard work, and respect for the rule of law. “Prayer must go with good works. We have no other country but this,” they added.

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