The Catholic Bishops of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province have called on the Federal Government to ensure that ongoing tax reforms are carried out with fairness, transparency, and a human-centered approach, cautioning that insensitive policies could worsen the economic struggles of millions of Nigerians.
The appeal came in a communiqué issued at the conclusion of the bishops’ first provincial meeting of 2026, held at the Jubilee Conference Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The statement was signed by the Chairman, Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin, and the Secretary, Most Rev. John Oyejola.
The bishops acknowledged the government’s effort to reform the country’s tax system, noting that the reforms, initiated under President Bola Tinubu and signed into law on June 26, 2025, have been in effect since January 1, 2026.
However, they observed that the measures have sparked anxiety and mixed reactions, particularly among the poor and vulnerable.
“The reforms must be guided by fairness, transparency, and accountability. The government should give the reforms a human face, allowing the most vulnerable time to adjust before enforcing the full scope of the law,” the communiqué stated.
The clerics warned that policies implemented without sensitivity risk deepening inequality and heightening social tensions, stressing that taxation should not become an additional burden amid rising inflation and unemployment.
Beyond tax issues, the bishops highlighted broader socio-economic concerns, urging all levels of government to prioritize security, healthcare, infrastructure, and creating an enabling environment for economic growth.
They expressed concern over the ongoing strike by health workers, describing it as “tragic and unacceptable,” and condemned the poor state of major road networks in the South-West.
Reaffirming the Church’s commitment to social justice, the bishops encouraged Nigerians to pair prayers with responsible citizenship, hard work, and adherence to the rule of law. “As pastors of souls, we call on Nigerians to resist cynicism and negativity. Prayer must go with good works. We have no other country but this,” the communiqué concluded.
