Economy

Cleric Urges FG on Transparent Use of New Tax Revenues

Published

9 months ago

January 20, 2026

Q Tinny

New Tax System Nigeria: Church leader Samuel Akintobi urges the Federal Government to manage tax revenues transparently for citizens’ welfare

The Spiritual Head of the Cherubim and Seraphim Agbojesu Conference Worldwide, Samuel Akintobi, has urged the Federal Government to ensure that revenues generated from Nigeria’s new tax system are transparently and responsibly utilised for the benefit of ordinary citizens.

Also read: Tax Reform: CITN Chair Says Bank Balances Not Taxed

Akintobi made the call on Saturday during the church’s Annual General Conference held in Iseyin, Oyo State, where he addressed delegates on national economic issues and the role of leadership in promoting social justice.

The cleric said accountability in the management of tax proceeds would help ease public concerns surrounding the recently introduced tax reforms, which came into effect on January 1, 2026.

The reforms have attracted criticism from various quarters, with critics warning that they could impose additional hardship on Nigerians already facing economic pressures.

According to Akintobi, while taxation is necessary for national development, its success depends largely on transparency and visible impact on people’s lives.

“As a church, we recognise the need for a strong revenue base to move our nation forward, but taxation must be transparent and purposeful,” he said. “

The people need to see that every naira collected in tax translates into projects and services that lift the common man out of hardship.”

He further cautioned that tax revenue should not be treated merely as a means of increasing government income, but as a responsibility tied to public trust.

“The government must not see tax collections as an end in themselves but as a sacred trust. Leadership must prove to the people that these funds are not just filling coffers, but are being used to improve the overall welfare of citizens,” Akintobi added.

Nigeria’s new tax system has sparked calls from some groups for a review or suspension of certain provisions, amid fears that poor management of revenues could worsen living conditions if not properly handled.

Also speaking at the conference, the chairman of the Cherubim and Seraphim Agbojesu Conference Worldwide, Hezekiah Adeleke, said the creation of a comprehensive database of church members was one of the key outcomes of the gathering.

He explained that the theme of the conference, “Advancing Steadfastly in the Lord” (Philippians 3:13–14), shaped deliberations and guided decisions aimed at strengthening the church’s administrative structure.

Adeleke also commended the Supreme Head of the church for his support and guidance, describing his contributions as vital to the success of the conference.

Also read: SON Professional Services unveils support framework for Nigeria’s new tax law

The event concluded with the inauguration of a new National Executive Council, which will be led by Adeleke, marking a new phase in the church’s organisational development.

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Economy

NRS Assures Taxpayers VAT Remains at 7.5% Amid Tax Reform Concerns

Published

13 hours ago

October 27, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

NRS VAT rate remains 7.5%, the agency says, while addressing concerns over bank deductions, loans and the implementation of Nigeria’s tax reforms

The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) has assured taxpayers that Nigeria’s standard Value Added Tax (VAT) rate remains 7.5 per cent, while addressing concerns over the implementation of the country’s new tax reforms.

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The assurance was given by the Tax Administrator responsible for Kano, Jigawa and Katsina states, Samaila Abdullahi, during an NRS stakeholders’ engagement and tax reform sensitisation programme in Kano.

Abdullahi said concerns raised by individuals, traders, business owners and other stakeholders about the new tax laws were understandable, particularly questions relating to bank transactions, loans, family transfers, business income and the potential impact on small businesses.

He urged taxpayers to understand the reforms through the provisions of the law rather than rely on assumptions or misinformation.

According to him, the tax laws do not automatically authorise deductions from personal bank accounts.

He stressed that tax collection and recovery must follow the applicable legal provisions and procedures.

Abdullahi also clarified that money received as a loan should not automatically be classified as business income or profit, explaining that proper documentation is essential to establish the nature of a transaction.

“For instance, when a trader receives a loan of N500,000, the amount should not automatically be treated as N500,000 in sales or profit, provided the transaction is properly documented,” he said.

The NRS official’s comments were aimed at addressing public concerns about how the new tax framework would affect personal finances and business transactions.

He emphasised the importance of distinguishing between taxable business receipts and other funds, such as documented loans, when determining a taxpayer’s obligations.

The clarification comes amid heightened public interest in Nigeria’s tax reforms and questions about their implications for individuals, traders and small businesses.