The Catholic Bishops of the Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province have called on the Federal Government and tax authorities to run ongoing tax reforms with fairness, transparency and accountability, warning that harsh policies must not crush the poor. The bishops made the call in a communique issued on Tuesday after their provincial meeting in Ibadan. The statement was read by the Bishop of Oyo Diocese, Most Rev. Emmanuel Badejo. They urged the government to “give tax reforms a human face” and allow vulnerable Nigerians time to adjust to the new tax regimes before unleashing the full weight of enforcement.
According to the clerics, tax reforms must go hand in hand with better governance and improved social services, insisting that citizens can only be expected to pay more when they see value for their money. They demanded urgent improvements in security of lives and property, basic healthcare, electricity supply, potable water, motorable roads and job creation. In a strongly worded passage, the bishops condemned the prolonged strike by health workers, which they said has plunged ordinary Nigerians into needless suffering and death. “Government must quickly address the strike of the health workers which has lasted almost two months and subjected the common people to suffering, causing needless deaths,” the communique said. On insecurity, the bishops praised what they described as a renewed zeal by the Federal Government, saying recent developments showed that decisive political will can reduce violence.
They, however, urged all tiers of government to sustain the momentum through courageous policies, adequate funding and equipping of security agencies, collaboration with local and international partners, and continuous public education. The bishops also challenged state and local governments to take education seriously by upgrading facilities and improving the welfare of teachers and other staff. They applauded the recent agreement between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), describing it as long overdue after 16 years of failed negotiations. The clerics further welcomed presidential grants and student loans for higher education, as well as the new national Almajiri education policy aimed at empowering disadvantaged youths. However, they warned that such programmes must be constantly reviewed to eliminate waste, delays and inefficiency if they are to deliver real results.
“In spite of many commendable initiatives from the federal government to kick-start critical sectors, much more needs to be done to truly bring Nigeria back to the path of prosperity and peace,” the bishops said. Beyond politics and policy, the bishops urged Catholics to remain agents of hope by promoting the Church’s social teachings in everyday life. They also called on priests to actively teach and spread the Church’s doctrine on justice, peace and human dignity as a tool for shaping responsible citizens and building the nation.
The bishops recommended the Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church as a basic text for all faithful in the Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province, saying it offers accessible and relevant guidance for young people and adults alike. “As we embark on a new year, we call on Nigerians not to relent in praying for our leaders and the good of Nigeria,” the bishops added.
