The 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 lacking a human touch could intensify the hardship faced by millions of Nigerians.
The appeal was made in a communiqué released on Tuesday, following the bishops’ first provincial meeting of 2026 at the Jubilee Conference Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The statement was signed by the Chairman of the Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin, and the Secretary, Most Rev. John Oyejola.
The PUNCH reported that the tax reforms, initiated under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, were signed into law on June 26, 2025, and took effect on January 1, 2026, sparking mixed reactions across the country. In the communiqué, titled “Sustaining Hope and Strengthening Our Good Efforts,” the bishops acknowledged the government’s efforts to reform Nigeria’s tax system but highlighted that the measures had caused widespread concern, 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 bishops said.
They warned that economic policies enforced without sensitivity could exacerbate inequality and stoke social tension, emphasizing that taxation should not become an extra burden on citizens already struggling with inflation, unemployment, and rising living costs.
While urging Nigerians to remain patient, the bishops insisted that such patience must be matched with visible accountability from the government and tax authorities. Beyond taxation, they addressed broader socio-economic issues, calling on governments at all levels to recommit to their core duties of safeguarding lives and property, improving healthcare, maintaining infrastructure, and creating an environment conducive to economic growth.
The bishops expressed concern over the prolonged health workers’ strike, describing it as “tragic and unacceptable,” noting that it has subjected ordinary Nigerians to avoidable suffering and limited access to healthcare.
They also criticised the deteriorating condition of major road networks in the South-West and accused some federal and state ministries of underperforming despite ongoing reforms.
Reaffirming the Church’s commitment to social justice, the bishops encouraged Nigerians not to lose hope, combining 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,” they added.
