Renowned cleric and former Archbishop of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Most Rev. (Rtd.) Ayo Ladigbolu, has cautioned the Federal Government to approach the implementation of the new tax law with sensitivity, fairness, and adequate public enlightenment.
Ladigbolu who gave this warning at the Southwest Summit on Economic Restructuring and National Renewal held in Akure, called on the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the Ministry of Information, and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to embark on massive public engagement to educate citizens on the objectives and implications of the new tax regime.
In his paper titled ‘A Reflection on Economic Restructuring and National Renewal,’ the cleric urged Nigerians to remain patient and optimistic about the ongoing economic reforms initiated by the Federal Government.
He expressed strong confidence that the country would reap substantial benefits if the process was pursued with transparency and consistency.
Ladigbolu outlined potential gains of the reforms, including enhanced revenue generation for infrastructure development, improved electricity supply, and a gradual transition toward cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.
He noted that the nation’s dependence on imported petroleum products could be significantly reduced through policy consistency, which would in turn protect the environment, strengthen local industries, and encourage the use of gas-powered vehicles and cooking gas among households.
The retired Archbishop also emphasized the need for inclusive dialogue between the government, private sector, and civil society, warning that any reform lacking human face and public trust could trigger resistance from citizens.
‘We must work together as one region, one people and one voice to secure the future of our democracy’.
In his keynote address titled ‘A New Chapter in the Annals of Democratic Governance of the Southwest Region,’ the Chairman of the Southwest Summit Steering Committee, Dr. Akin Onigbinde, cautioned against allowing the summit to become a one-off event.
He urged that it be institutionalized as a statutory fixture within the Southwest Governors’ Cabinets to ensure continuity and measurable impact.
Onigbinde noted that the region’s greatest challenge is not external opposition but the risk of neglecting sustained citizen-government dialogue as a permanent feature of governance.
He emphasized that the summit’s deliberations must translate into concrete actions, with government representatives required to produce evidence-based reports and be held accountable for their commitments.
Onigbinde further charged participants to engage public officials with respect and candour, insisting that active and sincere citizen participation remains central to the region’s growth and democratic renewal.
On his part, the Director-General of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, Dr. Seye Oyeleye, emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among Southwest states to fast-track regional growth and deepen citizen-government engagement.
Oyeleye urged leaders in the region to consolidate efforts toward innovation, industrialization, and infrastructure development, stressing that ‘the burden of regional progress is too heavy for any single state to bear.’