Tax Reform: CAN Urges FG to Act with Wisdom, Fairness, Restraint

As the federal government rolls out its tax reform policy, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged authorities to tread carefully, warning that economic decisions must be guided by wisdom, fairness, and restraint to avoid worsening the burden on already struggling Nigerians.

CAN stressed that fiscal policies should not compound the suffering of citizens grappling with rising costs of living, insecurity, and economic uncertainty.

In his New Year message, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, emphasised the need to protect vulnerable groups, noting that “Small businesses, low-income earners, and rural communities require protection and deliberate support if recovery is to be meaningful and inclusive.”

Okoh also appealed to the government to intensify efforts to combat insecurity and reduce it to the barest minimum, describing the security situation as a persistent national emergency.

He said, “We acknowledge God’s mercy in preserving lives and sustaining our nation through another year marked by serious trials and testing moments.

“The year behind us was a difficult one for many Nigerians. Economic hardship, rising living costs, insecurity, and uncertainty placed enormous strain on families and communities. These realities cannot be ignored or explained away. The quiet endurance of our people is not a sign that all is well; rather, it is a reminder of how much healing, relief, and justice our nation still needs.”

Okoh noted that as fiscal, tax, and other policy reforms advance, progress must be felt in the daily lives of citizens.

“As fiscal, tax, and other policy reforms continue, CAN calls for wisdom, fairness, and restraint. As the nation continues to speak about reforms, recovery, and growth, CAN affirms that progress must translate into lived realities. Economic advancement must be evident in the daily lives of citizens—when food is affordable, healthcare is accessible, education is attainable, and meaningful work is available. Development that does not touch ordinary lives remains incomplete.”

He stressed that Nigeria must become a country where dignity, safety, and opportunity are guaranteed for all.

“Nigeria must become a place where families live with dignity, young people can plan for the future with confidence, and communities are no longer overwhelmed by fear. Public policies and leadership decisions must consistently reflect compassion, responsibility, and a genuine commitment to the common good, especially towards the poor and the vulnerable.”

On insecurity, Okoh described the scale of violence across the country as deeply troubling.

“The persistence of insecurity across the country remains a grave national concern. Terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and violent crime have uprooted communities and shattered lives. This reality demands decisive and sustained action. We hope that the government will deliver on its promises to reduce insecurity to the lowest levels in this new year.”

He further called on governments at all levels to urgently address the plight of displaced communities.

“Furthermore, government at all levels must urgently present a clear, comprehensive, and time-bound plan for the resettlement of communities displaced for prolonged periods by violence and insecurity. It is unjust and unacceptable that citizens should remain indefinitely uprooted from their ancestral lands, homes, and livelihoods. Beyond temporary relief, the nation must pursue restoration. Security must be guaranteed, homes and infrastructure rebuilt, and displaced persons enabled to return safely and with dignity. A nation cannot claim healing while entire communities remain unsettled.”

Okoh added that Nigeria’s challenges extend beyond economics, pointing to moral deficits that continue to erode national trust.

He said Nigeria’s leadership must be anchored on integrity and accountability, urging leaders to serve with sincerity rather than dominance.

“National renewal requires moral courage as much as technical competence. As the Church, we reaffirm our commitment to stand with the people, to speak truth with love, and to uphold hope in difficult times. We declare that Nigeria is not without a future. We affirm that justice, peace, and restoration are possible when leadership is responsible and citizens remain committed to righteousness and unity. As we journey through 2026, we look forward with sober hope, trusting that our nation can yet rise into better days marked by healing, stability, and shared progress”.