The Catholic Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese, Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, has thrown his weight behind the tax reform bills proposed by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, describing them as a potential antidote to the financial recklessness of Nigeria’s elites.

Since being submitted to the National Assembly, the controversial bills have sparked public outcry, with critics alleging that they unfairly target the North and will impose more hardship on already struggling Nigerians.

Speaking during an appearance on Channels TV’s Morning Brief on Tuesday, Kukah highlighted Nigeria’s untapped potential and the urgent need for structural reforms to harness the energy and talents of its people.

“Nigeria is a very energetic country with people that are so eminently gifted and are roaring to soar at any time,” he said.

He bemoaned the failure of the government to create structures that would accommodate the aspirations and visions of its citizens, attributing the resulting frustration to the growing spate of violence across the country.

On the tax reform bills, Kukah admitted to initially having little knowledge of the proposals but expressed hope that they could address the nation’s systemic dysfunction. He described the reforms as a critical step towards halting the wastefulness of the elite and harnessing Nigeria’s vast resources for the benefit of its people.

“So I’m hopeful that this is the beginning of a very long journey of fiscal management and efficiency that can lead to the growth and development of the kind of country that we envision,” he said.

The cleric, however, warned that the success of the reforms would hinge on effective communication by the government, especially as many Nigerians are battling poverty and economic hardship.

“What I can say is that this government must respond urgently to the issues of the day. They are issues of massive impoverishment in Nigeria. You can see the frustration on the faces of people, husbands, wives and children,” he said.

Kukah criticised the government’s poor communication strategies, accusing its spokespersons of alienating citizens with their approach. He stressed that effective engagement and transparency would be vital in gaining public trust and support for the reforms.

“We need to have an idea of the government reforms,” Kukah said, urging officials to avoid antagonistic rhetoric and focus on clearly explaining their policies.

He also welcomed the reported revival of the Port Harcourt Refinery but called on the government to outline specific timelines and deliverables for its reform agenda.

The bishop’s remarks reflect growing calls for accountability and a shift away from elite-driven mismanagement as Nigerians await tangible outcomes from the government’s policies.