The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to ensure that ongoing and proposed tax reforms are fair, compassionate and considerate of the realities faced by ordinary citizens. The bishops warned that fiscal policies designed without a “human face” could deepen hardship, especially for low-income earners already struggling with rising living costs.

In their message, the bishops acknowledged the government’s need to improve revenue generation but stressed that taxation should not worsen poverty or widen inequality. They urged policymakers to prioritize justice, equity and transparency, noting that excessive or poorly structured taxes often place a heavier burden on the most vulnerable members of society while offering little relief or protection in return.

The clerics further advised the government to engage widely with stakeholders, including labour groups, faith-based organizations and civil society, before implementing major tax changes. They emphasized that reforms would gain broader public acceptance if citizens could see clear benefits such as improved social services, infrastructure and targeted support for the poor, rather than policies that appear punitive or disconnected from everyday realities.