Lagos, Nigeria – The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the proposed tax reforms in improving Nigeria’s economic situation.
In a statement released by his media aide, Oluwatosin Osho, on Sunday, Primate Ayodele noted that while tax reform is a step in the right direction, its implementation is unlikely to deliver significant benefits.
He cautioned President Bola Tinubu to thoroughly review the initiative, highlighting concerns about potential misuse of the additional revenue.
“Tax reform is a good initiative and a great step, but it won’t be properly handled. The government will make money from it, but the critical question remains—will the funds be used appropriately?” Ayodele queried.
Churches and NGOs to Face Taxation
Primate Ayodele also warned that the reforms could extend to taxing churches and NGOs indirectly, sparking widespread opposition.
“As time goes on, churches and NGOs will also begin to pay taxes indirectly. This will meet stiff resistance, as many will oppose such measures,” he explained.
He emphasized the need for a careful approach to avoid undermining the reforms’ intentions, stating that the current framework might lead to increased corruption without addressing core economic challenges.
Call for Pro-Poor Reforms
The cleric urged the government to focus on policies that directly improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians, emphasizing that public welfare should take precedence over revenue generation.
“I call on the government to prioritize reforms that make life better for the common man. The welfare of the people is more important than any other thing,” Ayodele added.
Concerns Over VAT Increase
According to Ayodele, the anticipated increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) under the reforms could burden citizens further without delivering tangible economic benefits.
“VAT will be increased, but it won’t make the economy boom. This reform needs a proper review to ensure it doesn’t defeat its purpose,” he said.
The cleric’s comments come amid heightened public scrutiny over the government’s ability to manage the nation’s economic challenges effectively.