Civil Society Backs New Tax Laws, Demands Transparency

Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria have endorsed the new tax laws, while calling for transparency, accountability and effective implementation to ensure they support national development and benefit citizens, especially low-income and vulnerable groups.

The endorsement was made at the National Retreat on New Tax Law Development organised by the Civil Society Coalition on Human and Economic Interests (CSCHEI) and attended by representatives of 200 accredited Civil Society Organisations and Community-Based Organisations across the country in Abuja.

Speaking at the retreat, the director-general of CSCHEI, Kunle Yusuff, said taxation remained critical to Nigeria’s progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, stressing that the new tax laws present both opportunities and challenges that require sustained civic engagement.

Yusuff noted that effective taxation would enhance domestic resource mobilisation, support inclusive growth and improve the welfare of Nigerians, adding that civil society groups were committed to ensuring the new laws were implemented in a manner that promotes fairness and accountability.

According to him, CSOs will advocate a tax regime that supports Nigeria’s development aspirations, accelerates progress on the SDGs and ensures that citizens understand how tax revenues are utilised.

At the end of the retreat, participants resolved to support the new tax laws, acknowledging their potential to promote development and serve the masses.

They, however, urged government authorities to provide clear implementation guidelines and maintain transparency in tax administration.

In their resolutions, the CSOs called for continuous engagement with civil society and other stakeholders to address concerns arising from the laws, while emphasising the need to strengthen tax education and public awareness to promote compliance.

The groups also demanded accountability in the management of tax revenues, insisting that funds generated through taxation must be channelled towards programmes and projects aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, including healthcare, education, infrastructure and security.

The CSOs further committed themselves to promoting transparency and equity in the tax system, advocating policies that protect low-income households and vulnerable populations.

They also pledged to support tax education through workshops, media campaigns and community outreach, while engaging in policy dialogue with government agencies, the private sector and international partners.

As part of efforts to curb financial misconduct, the organisations urged closer collaboration among the National Revenue Service (NRS), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to combat tax crimes and promote compliance.

They also announced plans to establish an adequate monitoring mechanism to track the implementation and impact of the new tax laws nationwide.

The CSOs expressed confidence that the retreat would strengthen collaboration, build consensus and position civil society as a key driver in ensuring that the new tax law delivers sustainable development and improved living standards for Nigerians.