- Catholic Bishops urge governments to harmonise multiple taxes
- Caution priests against ‘private ministries’
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has issued an appeal to governments at all levels to harmonise taxes and address the issue of multiple taxation crippling businesses struggling to survive amid worsening economic conditions. The CBCN made these remarks in a Communiqué issued after its 2024 Second Plenary Meeting, held from August 22 to 30, 2024 in Auchi, Edo State. The Bishops noted that there are duplication of taxes by the federal, state and local governments in guise of various names, adding that it should be looked into for possible harmonisation.
The multiple taxes, according to the Bishops, have had a negative impact on businesses, noting that some have shut down. The Communique signed by the President, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji of Owerri Archdiocese and Secretary, Bishop Donatus Ogun, OSA of Uromi Diocese read in parts, “Taxes and levies are sources for government to generate revenue to meet its statutory duties. To finance its organs and to provide goods and services for the public, government has the authority to levy taxes on salaries, business profits, business transactions, goods and services to the public. “Payment of tax is a civic duty, evasion of which is a grave offence.
Yet, multiple taxation is a severe burden on business enterprises and individuals, especially within the Nigerian context, where many factories, industries and companies are being strangled by epileptic power supply, high costs of petroleum products, spiraling inflation, rising labour costs, the continuous weakening of the Naira, and scarcity of foreign exchange. “Due to the present adverse operating environment, many businesses, both foreign and indigenous, have shut down. Many others are merely struggling to survive, due to the harsh operating environment in the country. “The situation has been further compounded by continuous hiking of bank interest rate and multiple taxation.
Federal, state and local government agencies come up with different names to collect the same taxes from business enterprises, and even voluntary agency institutions with threats, intimidation and blackmail. All these contribute to the poor ranking of Nigeria in the ease of doing business index, and cause disincentive in the business community.” The Bishops enjoined governments at all levels to collaborate to create a harmonised tax structure that fosters economic growth rather than stifling it. “We appeal to governments at all levels to take urgent measures to harmonise taxes and address multiple taxation, in order to stem the tide of businesses collapsing in Nigeria with its consequent unemployment.
This will also encourage investors already faced with the challenges of high production costs, low sales, insignificant profit margins and the depletion of business capital.” The prelates also cautioned priests against ‘private ministries,’ saying such practices cause scandal and impair the unity of the Church. The proliferation of ‘private ministries’ should be checked, the Bishops said. They wrote, “The proliferation of private “ministries” by some priests and lay faithful in our Church is a matter of great concern. These ministries often tend towards unorthodox practices, causing scandal among the faithful, thereby hurting the unity of the Church.
Additionally, many of the priests involved in this trend become too distracted from their primary duty as pastors of souls. “We reaffirm the teaching of the Church, that there is no other ministry than that of Jesus Christ entrusted to and guarded by the Holy Mother Church. We equally remind all, priests, religious, and lay faithful alike, that charisms are given to individuals in the Church in order to build up the body of Christ. They are not to be used for selfish and self-serving glorification (cf. I Corinthians 12: 7-18). “As pastors vested with the oversight function over the pastoral life of the Church, we call on all who want to use their charisms for the Church and not against her, to submit themselves to the competent authority, abiding by the rules and regulations established by the Church and Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria in this regard.
“The faithful are further advised to be wary of those who, while claiming to be Catholics set up “ministries” that are not under the pastoral or spiritual guidance of any competent ecclesiastical authority. In fact, no ministry, association or institution can bear the name Catholic without the express permission of the competent authority (Cf Can 216).”
• Read excerpts of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) 2024 2nd Plenary Communique in COVER STORY.
