Catholic Bishops Urge Tinubu to Give Nigerians Time to Adjust to Tax Reforms

The Catholic Bishops of the Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province have appealed to President Bola Tinubu and tax authorities to give Nigerians, especially vulnerable citizens, adequate time to adapt to ongoing tax reforms before enforcing strict compliance.

The call was made in a communiqué jointly signed by the Province’s Chairman, Most Rev. ‘Leke Gabriel Abegunrin, and Secretary, Most Rev. John Akin Oyejola, following their provincial meeting at the Jubilee Conference Centre in Ibadan.

While supporting the Federal Government’s renewed efforts to tackle rising criminality—including banditry, kidnapping, and insurgency—the bishops stressed that fairness, transparency, and accountability must guide the implementation of tax reforms. They warned that poor communication, misinformation, and abrupt enforcement could erode public trust during economic hardship.

“The ongoing tax reforms have generated controversies across the country despite efforts to explain their merits and benefits for the poor and less privileged,” the communiqué stated. “We urge the government to give the reforms a human face and allow citizens the latitude to adapt before strict enforcement.”

The bishops also urged authorities at all levels to sustain efforts against insecurity through courageous policies, proper funding, adequate equipping of security agencies, collaboration with internal and external partners, and continuous public education.

They emphasized the need for equal application of the law, saying: “All Nigerians must unite to reestablish security, peace, and safety. Life and property are sacred, and the law must apply without fear or favour.”

The communiqué reflects the Church’s dual focus on protecting citizens’ welfare while supporting government initiatives to strengthen national security and governance.

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