Catholic bishops from the Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province have appealed to the Federal Government to carry out the ongoing tax reforms with equity, openness and empathy, cautioning that policies lacking consideration for human welfare could worsen the economic strain on many Nigerians.
This appeal was contained in a communiqué released on Tuesday following the bishops’ first provincial meeting for 2026, which took place at the Jubilee Conference Centre in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The communiqué was endorsed by the Chairman of the Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin, and the Secretary, Most Rev. John Oyejola.
According to reports, the tax reform measures were introduced under the administration of President Bola Tinubu and were signed into law on June 26, 2025.
The reforms became operational on January 1, 2026, sparking varied reactions across the country.
In the communiqué titled “Sustaining Hope and Strengthening Our Good Efforts,” the bishops recognised the Federal Government’s intention to overhaul the tax system but observed that the reforms had triggered significant debate and unease, especially among economically disadvantaged Nigerians.
“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 stated.
They warned that implementing economic measures without adequate compassion could intensify inequality and heighten social unrest, adding that taxation should not further burden citizens already grappling with inflation, joblessness and escalating living costs.
While urging Nigerians to exercise patience, the bishops maintained that such forbearance should be accompanied by clear accountability from the government and relevant tax agencies.
In addition to taxation concerns, the Catholic leaders examined wider socio-economic issues in the country, calling on authorities at all tiers of government to refocus on their core duties, including safeguarding lives and property, delivering basic healthcare, upgrading infrastructure and fostering conditions that support economic development.
They also lamented the prolonged strike by health workers, describing it as distressing and indefensible, noting that it had exposed many Nigerians to unnecessary hardship and limited access to medical services.
“This situation is tragic and unacceptable. Anything short of urgent intervention amounts to needless suffering and avoidable deaths,” the communiqué read.
The bishops further criticised the poor state of major highways connecting cities, particularly in the South-West, and accused certain federal and state ministries of failing to perform optimally despite ongoing reform programmes.
Reiterating the Church’s dedication to social justice, the bishops encouraged Nigerians to remain hopeful, urging them to blend prayer with responsible civic engagement, diligence, and respect for 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 bishops added.
