IdeaPlus Foundation, supported by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and CDD–West Africa, convened a National Policy Dialogue in Abuja to launch a report examining the growing tax burden on Nigeria’s non-governmental sector.
The new report, titled Compliance or Constriction? Assessing the Nigeria Revenue Service Tax Drive and Its Impact on the Sustainability of Nigerian Civil Society, exposes how increasingly aggressive tax administration threatens the survival of local charities, advocacy groups, and developmental organizations.
Rising Financial Pressure on Nonprofits
The gathering brought together tax officials, civil society leaders, researchers, financial experts, and media to tackle a pressing question: how the government can boost national revenue without suffocating the organizations serving vulnerable communities. Findings in the report reveal that tax compliance has become dangerously complex, costly, and punitive for nonprofits, directly undermining donor funds, project delivery, and institutional survival.
“Nigeria should not have to choose between an effective tax system and a vibrant civil society,” stated the joint forum in its central message. “Better policy is strengthened when evidence is shared, institutions listen as well as speak, and compliance is supported by clarity, fairness, and trust.”
A Push for Administrative Fairness
Through interactive panel sessions and live audience polling, delegates emphasized that tax compliance must be treated as a strategic governance issue rather than a financial penalty. Participants urged revenue authorities to eliminate arbitrary assessments and establish clear, predictable tax guidelines tailored specifically to the non-profit model.
To prevent further erosion of civic space, the dialogue concluded with an urgent call for stronger tax literacy programs, accessible dispute-resolution channels, and ongoing engagement between tax agencies and civil society leaders.
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