A coalition of Islamic groups has cautioned Muslim leaders and clerics across the country against undue interference in ongoing tax reform discussions, warning that such matters are technical, constitutional and should be handled by relevant government institutions.
The groups, under the umbrella of the Coalition of Islamic Organisations for National Development (CIOND), made their position known in a statement issued on Wednesday, stressing that tax reform policies are economic and administrative issues that should not be politicised or religiously coloured.
According to the statement, signed by the coalition’s National Coordinator, Sheikh Abdulrahman Musa, while Islam encourages justice, accountability and fairness in governance, it does not support the distortion of public policy debates through sentiments that could inflame religious tensions.
“The issue of tax reform is a national economic matter that affects all Nigerians, irrespective of faith or ethnicity. It requires expert analysis, stakeholder engagement and constitutional processes, not emotional or sectarian interventions,” the statement read.
The coalition noted that recent comments by some religious figures risk misleading the public and creating unnecessary suspicion about government policies aimed at strengthening revenue generation and economic stability.
CIOND urged Muslim leaders to focus on their primary responsibilities of moral guidance, peacebuilding and social harmony, rather than making pronouncements on technical fiscal policies beyond their competence.
“Islam upholds knowledge and professionalism. Where policies are being debated, those with the requisite expertise should be allowed to lead the conversation, while religious leaders can contribute by advocating fairness, transparency and protection of the poor,” the group added.
The Islamic groups further called on the Federal Government to intensify public enlightenment on the objectives and safeguards of the proposed tax reforms, to address misinformation and build public trust.
They also appealed to Nigerians to resist attempts to frame economic reforms along religious lines, warning that such narratives could undermine national unity and derail well-intentioned policies.
The coalition reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence and constructive engagement with government on policies that promote economic growth, social justice and national development.
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