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MSSN Voices Alarm Over Federal Government’s Tax Policy Changes
The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) has raised serious apprehensions regarding the Federal Government’s recent tax reform proposals. The organization cautions that without addressing concerns of fairness, justice, and inclusivity, these reforms risk deepening the already widening gap of public mistrust towards government policies.
Concerns Raised at MSSN’s B-Zone Islamic Vacation Course
This message was conveyed during the opening session of the MSSN’s B-Zone Islamic Vacation Course (IVC), hosted at the future site of Al-Ummah University on the Ibadan-Lagos Expressway in Onigari, Ogun State. The event provided a platform for the society’s leadership to articulate their stance on the ongoing fiscal changes.
National President Highlights Nigeria’s Multifaceted Challenges
Addressing attendees, Mallam Tajudeen Mustapha, the National President of MSSN, emphasized that Nigeria is currently navigating a complex landscape marked by economic difficulties, rising insecurity, moral erosion, and leadership shortcomings. He warned that policies perceived as inequitable only serve to further alienate citizens and erode their trust in governance structures.
Taxation Issues Rooted in Governance and Transparency
Mustapha clarified that the core problem is not taxation itself but the increasing skepticism about how public funds are managed. He expressed unease that the proposed tax reforms raise critical questions about fairness and national sovereignty, which could lead to greater public disengagement and cynicism.
Call for Ethical Leadership and Transparent Policy-Making
The MSSN leadership underscored the imperative of responsible governance, urging policymakers to ground reforms in principles of justice, transparency, and accountability. They stressed that rebuilding public confidence hinges on these foundational values.
Emphasizing Collective Responsibility in Society
In a keynote lecture titled “We Are All Responsible,” Dr. Taofeek Abdul-Hameed, Imam of the Muslim Community at Federal Polytechnic Ede and Rector of Federal Polytechnic Ayede, highlighted that accountability is a universal duty. He asserted that every member of society, from parents and youth to professionals and leaders, shares the burden of fostering social justice and combating corruption.
Accountability Extends Beyond Actions to Silence
Dr. Abdul-Hameed elaborated that neglecting to oppose wrongdoing is tantamount to complicity. He emphasized that in Islamic teachings, responsibility encompasses not only deeds and speech but also omissions, reinforcing the need for proactive engagement in societal issues.
Contextualizing the Tax Reform Within Nigeria’s Fiscal Landscape
In June, President Bola Tinubu enacted a sweeping tax reform package, representing one of the most extensive fiscal policy overhauls Nigeria has seen in decades. Scheduled to be implemented in January 2026, these reforms aim to modernize the country’s tax system and enhance revenue generation.
Public Reaction and Economic Implications
Despite government assurances that the reforms will bolster fiscal stability and promote long-term economic growth, many Nigerians remain apprehensive. Critics argue that the changes could exacerbate the financial strain on households already grappling with inflation and unemployment, potentially deepening economic inequality.
Looking Ahead: Balancing Reform with Public Trust
As Nigeria prepares to transition into this new tax regime, the challenge lies in ensuring that reforms are implemented with fairness and transparency. Building a tax system that is equitable and trusted by citizens is essential for sustainable development and social cohesion.
