By 9jaeye 
Abia State Governor Alex Otti has introduced a new signpost tax targeting churches in the state, stirring up strong reactions from religious groups. The new tax requires churches to pay for any signposts they erect to advertise their presence or activities. This move, according to the state government, is part of a broader revenue-generating strategy aimed at funding public projects and improving infrastructure across Abia.
While the state government justifies the tax as a necessary measure to boost income, especially in light of recent economic challenges, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has been quick to denounce the policy. In a formal statement, CAN called for the immediate reversal of the tax, claiming it places an unnecessary financial burden on religious institutions, particularly smaller churches that depend on donations from their congregations.
CAN’s Strong Objection
CAN has warned that the new signpost tax could negatively impact church operations and community outreach programs. Many churches, already grappling with rising operational costs, may struggle to meet this new financial obligation. The association highlighted that religious institutions have consistently played a vital role in providing education, healthcare, and social welfare services in Abia State and argued that they should not face the same tax regulations as commercial entities.
According to CAN, taxing churches goes against the values of freedom of worship and could strain relations between the government and religious communities. The group advocates for a policy review, stating that the government should view churches as partners in state development efforts, not as revenue sources.
Government Stands by Decision
In response to CAN’s criticisms, the governor, Alex Otti has stood by his decision, explaining that the tax applies to all organizations using signposts, not just churches. The state emphasizes that the tax is crucial for generating funds to support public services and infrastructure projects, clarifying that it does not aim to target religious institutions specifically. The government clarified that it will reinvest the collected funds into local development initiatives, ensuring benefits for all residents, including religious communities.
As debates over the tax continue to escalate, the outcome of this policy remains uncertain, with churches across the state awaiting further action from the government.
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