Islamic groups caution Muslim leaders against meddling in tax reform matters

A coalition of Islamic groups have 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), said this, in a statement signed by the coalition’s National Coordinator, Sheikh Abdulrahman Musa, noting that tax reform policies are economic and administrative issues that should not be politicized

According to the statement, 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.

It urged Muslim leaders to focus on their primary responsibilities of moral guidance, peace building and social harmony, rather than making pronouncements on technical fiscal policies beyond their competence