Catholic bishops of the Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province have urged the Federal Government to ensure that ongoing tax reforms are implemented with fairness, transparency, and compassion, warning that the current approach has generated fear and uncertainty among many Nigerians.
The bishops made the call in a communiqué released on Tuesday at the end of their first provincial meeting of 2026, held at the Jubilee Conference Centre, Ibadan, Oyo State. They observed that the proposed tax changes have sparked widespread concern, particularly among poor and vulnerable citizens.
The communiqué was signed by Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin, chairman of the province, and Most Rev. John Oyejola, its secretary.
According to the bishops, ”tax policies must be driven by fairness, accountability, and transparency, stressing that government should adopt a human-centred approach in enforcing the reforms. They advised that vulnerable groups should be given time and flexibility to adjust to the new tax regime before strict enforcement measures are applied.
The clerics cautioned that economic policies introduced without adequate sensitivity could worsen inequality and heighten social tension. They emphasised that taxation should not become an added burden on citizens already grappling with inflation, unemployment, and the rising cost of living.
While calling on Nigerians to exercise patience, the bishops insisted that tax authorities must show clear and visible accountability in the management of public resources.
Beyond taxation, the bishops expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s broader socio-economic challenges. They described the prolonged strike by health workers as distressing, noting that it has exposed ordinary Nigerians to unnecessary hardship and limited access to essential healthcare services.
Describing the situation as “tragic and unacceptable,” the bishops warned that failure to intervene urgently could lead to avoidable suffering and preventable deaths.
They also condemned the poor condition of major road networks, especially those linking cities in the South-West, and criticised the performance of some federal and state ministries, accusing them of failing to deliver results despite ongoing reform efforts.
