Catholic bishops of the Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province have called on the Federal Government to implement ongoing tax reforms with fairness, transparency, and compassion, warning that policies imposed without sensitivity could worsen the hardship faced by millions of Nigerians.
The appeal was issued on Tuesday in a communiqué at the conclusion of the bishops’ first provincial meeting for 2026, held at the Jubilee Conference Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State. The statement was signed by Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin, Chairman of the Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province, and Most Rev. John Oyejola, Secretary.
The bishops acknowledged the Federal Government’s efforts to reform Nigeria’s tax system, initiated under President Bola Tinubu and signed into law on June 26, 2025, with implementation beginning January 1, 2026. While recognizing the reforms, the bishops noted the measures have generated widespread anxiety, particularly among the poor and vulnerable.
“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 the latitude to adjust to the new tax regimes before applying the full force of the law,” the communiqué stated.
The church leaders cautioned that economic policies applied without sensitivity could increase inequality and fuel social tension, stressing that taxation should not become an added burden on citizens already grappling with inflation, unemployment, and rising living costs. They called on Nigerians to remain patient, emphasizing that patience must be met with visible accountability from government and tax authorities.
Beyond taxation, the bishops addressed broader socio-economic challenges, urging governments at all levels to recommit to securing lives and property, providing healthcare, improving infrastructure, and creating an enabling environment for economic growth. They also expressed concern over the prolonged health workers’ strike, describing it as tragic and unacceptable, saying it has subjected ordinary Nigerians to needless suffering and restricted access to healthcare.
The bishops condemned the poor condition of major road networks, especially in the South-West, and criticised some federal and state ministries for underperformance despite ongoing reform initiatives.
Reaffirming the church’s commitment to social justice, the bishops urged Nigerians to combine prayer with responsible citizenship, hard work, and adherence to justice and 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.
