By Cross Udo, Abuja
Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) have endorsed Nigeria’s new tax law, calling for nationwide compliance and a formidable enforcement alliance between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) to curb tax evasion and corruption.
The groups made the call on Thursday in Abuja at a national leadership retreat of civil society organisations, convened by the Civil Society Organisation on Community Advancement and Humanitarian Empowerment Initiative (CSCHEI), with the theme: “Impact of Taxation on the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda 2030.”
CSCHEI Director General, Hon. Kunle Yusuf, described the new tax law as a turning point for Nigeria’s economic sustainability.
“The new tax law presents a major opportunity to strengthen domestic revenue and fast-track progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. But this can only be achieved through inclusive engagement, strategic advocacy and transparent implementation,” Yusuf said.
He stressed that sustained collaboration among enforcement agencies was critical.
“We need coordinated enforcement between the EFCC, ICPC and the Nigeria Revenue Service. Without synergy, tax compliance will remain weak, and public confidence will not be restored,” he added.
Yusuf positioned taxation as a central tool for development, noting that it directly supports social investment.
“Taxation is a critical instrument for domestic resource mobilisation, improved social welfare and the attainment of the SDGs. It channels resources into healthcare, education, infrastructure, social protection and environmental sustainability, especially for low-income and vulnerable groups.”
He urged CSOs to deepen their role in public engagement.
“Civil society must intensify tax education through workshops, media campaigns and community outreach, while sustaining policy engagement at local, state and federal levels. Above all, we must monitor implementation and hold institutions accountable.”
Development policy expert Dr Amos Obi said taxation remains one of the most dependable funding mechanisms for national development.
“When properly administered, taxation is one of the most reliable tools for funding education, healthcare, infrastructure and environmental protection,” Obi stated.
Participants cited gas flaring penalties as evidence of how effective taxation can drive change.
“Stricter enforcement has reduced gas flaring and forced companies to invest in gas infrastructure. When gas is no longer flared, it becomes productive energy for households and small businesses. That is how taxation delivers sustainable outcomes,” a discussant said.
On education, speakers warned that Nigeria was losing billions of dollars annually to foreign tuition costs due to underinvestment.
“We are exporting our future because our institutions are underfunded. Tax reforms must reverse this trend,” one participant argued.
The retreat also identified multiple drivers of illicit financial flows and insecurity, including tax evasion, tax injustice, weak fiscal coordination, and poor financial tracking.
“We should tax harvests, not seeds. Prosperity grows when investment is encouraged, and poverty is not punished,” another speaker said, advocating fair taxation focused on income, consumption and returns on investment.
CSOs reaffirmed their role as bridges between government and citizens, noting that tax compliance improves their credibility and access to development partnerships.
“When CSOs comply with tax laws, they gain legitimacy and stronger partnerships with government and donors, which translates into real community projects like public toilets and primary healthcare,” Yusuf noted.
At the end of the retreat, participants adopted a resolution endorsing the new tax law and demanding effective implementation, continuous stakeholder engagement and transparent management of tax revenues.
Yusuf also announced the formation of a national CSO advocacy and monitoring committee and plans for a civil society summit later in the year.
“As development agents, civil society will continue to promote equity, good governance and constitutionalism, while supporting policies that address the real needs of Nigerians,” he said.
