The Catholic bishops of the Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province have publicly thrown their support behind the tax reform laws introduced by President Bola Tinubu's administration, while sharply criticizing opponents for spreading what they describe as deliberate misinformation.
In a communiqué released at the conclusion of their first provincial meeting for 2026 held in Ibadan on Tuesday, January 20, the bishops acknowledged the widespread controversies surrounding the reforms but maintained that the changes were designed to benefit the poor and less privileged segments of society. They highlighted the extensive consultations that preceded the legislation and expressed disappointment over efforts to undermine public confidence in the initiative.
“The ongoing tax reforms have generated controversies all over the country in spite of the spirited effort of the authorities to explain their merits and benefits for the poor and the less privileged among us,” the communiqué read. “Unfortunately, agents of misinformation have also been hard at work to discredit the new scheme in spite of the consultations that preceded its legislation.”
The bishops urged the federal government and relevant authorities to intensify efforts to address public concerns, implement the reforms with compassion, and provide leeway for vulnerable groups to adapt gradually before enforcing the full provisions. “We urge the government and concerned authorities to continue to do all they can to allay the anxieties of the people, give the reforms a human face, and give the most vulnerable among us the latitude to get used to the new tax regimes before applying the full force of the law,” they stated.
They further stressed the importance of core principles in the process: “Altogether, fairness, transparency, and accountability must govern the conduct of government and the tax authorities in this entire process.”
The tax reforms, which became fully operational on January 1, 2026, after being re-gazetted, have sparked debates across Nigeria. The government has repeatedly assured citizens that more than 95 percent of poor Nigerians are exempt from paying taxes under the new framework, positioning the changes as progressive and pro-poor.
This endorsement from the Catholic bishops of the Ibadan Province adds a significant voice from the religious community to the ongoing national conversation on fiscal policy. It contrasts with criticisms from opposition figures and civil society groups who have raised concerns about potential burdens on ordinary citizens and called for pauses or revisions.
As implementation continues, the bishops' call for a more empathetic rollout and stronger communication aims to bridge the gap between policy intent and public perception amid persistent economic pressures.
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