"Taxation must not punish the poor,” Katsina's Bishop Musa tells FG at Christmas

Bishop Gerald Mamman Musa of the Katsina Catholic Diocese used his 2025 Christmas message titled “Let Peace Be Born Again in Nigeria” to call on the Federal Government (FG) to avoid tax policies that "punish the poor." He stressed that taxation should not become a burden on ordinary Nigerians, especially during tough economic times marked by inflation, insecurity, and the removal of fuel subsidies.

The Bishop urged targeted support for farmers, rural workers, and small businesses through grants and soft loans.

He warned that tax measures lacking a compassionate approach undermine social cohesion and widen inequality.

 Bishop Musa said public resources are being diverted from social needs to political machinery, and that government should first cut excesses and recover lost revenue before burdening the poor with taxes.

He linked his call to the spirit of Christmas, reminding leaders that Christ identified with the poor and that governance should reflect justice, compassion, and service to the marginalized.

This message comes amid ongoing national discussion about new tax laws and economic pressures in Nigeria’s economy, where questions about fairness and how tax reforms affect ordinary citizens have been widely debated.