Abuja: A coalition of Civil Society Organisations and trade unions have called for accountable implementation of Nigeria’s tax laws and increased investments in public services. The coalition, comprised of the Global Initiative for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (GI-ESCR), Tax Justice and Governance Platform, Connected Development, and Gatefield, made this call at a news conference on Thursday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the coalition unveiled the campaign following a policy dialogue focused on funding quality public services and strengthening public trust in Nigeria’s tax laws. Ms. Camila Barretto, Executive Director of GI-ESCR, stated that the campaign supports the transparent and effective implementation of the new tax framework introduced in January 2026. She highlighted that the reforms aim to improve revenue mobilisation, streamline tax administration, and enhance Nigeria’s business environment.
Barretto noted that the laws also introduced stronger corporate taxation, including measure
s targeting multinational companies and digital businesses operating in Nigeria. She emphasized that successful implementation would determine additional revenue generation, improved compliance, and reduced harmful tax exemptions and incentives.
Chika Okoh, Senior Programme Coordinator at International Budget Partnership, Tax Justice and Governance Platform, urged federal, state, and local governments to coordinate implementation. ‘Government can coordinate implementation while providing regular public information to enhance transparency and accountability,’ Okoh said. She expressed concern that many Nigerians still privately fund essential services despite paying taxes and argued that additional tax revenue should improve public services, create jobs, reduce poverty, empower women, and expand opportunities for young people.
Mr. Stephen Akinfala, Communications Manager at Connected Development (CODE), demanded the publication of tax revenue, compliance data, tax incentives, and financial disclosures of mult
inational corporations to curb tax avoidance. He also called for stronger taxation of digital companies, effective enforcement of minimum corporate tax rates, and improved oversight through an independent Tax Ombuds Office.
The coalition urged the government to safeguard spending on education, health, water, and energy while adopting transparent, citizen-focused systems for monitoring public expenditure. In response to questions about implementation timelines, the coalition noted that they vary, with some reforms requiring longer periods. Mr. Chinedu Bassey, GI-ESCR Advocacy and Political Engagement Consultant, added that transparency and public participation measures could begin quickly through political will and sustained civil society monitoring.
The coalition maintained that the government should implement reforms while civil society monitors accountability, promotes tax education, tracks monthly allocations, and collaborates with nationwide networks to improve public understanding and service delivery.