Giving to Ceaser: How the new Tax Laws affect Nigerian Christians

If you're a Nigerian, by now, you should be well aware of the new tax laws and the different stories that surround it. Now, you're not just a Nigerian - you're a Christian, who is a Nigerian, and that means you're a super blessed person by all standards in Christ. 

That said, there's a reality of our country's tax system before us and it's important to put the balance to it.

Recently, I overheard some Christians in a conversation as regards the deductions they now have to intentionally make from their salaries and income generally. From their conversation, these deductions include tithes, offerings, seeds and charity budgets among others - and now, we have to deal with tax. Well, this conversation is real, especially for people who were not paying taxes before now. Since the government is putting proper structure around the tax system, it's a matter that's not just concerning, but requires more intentionality.

As Christians living in Nigeria who are working, earning, and praying, what exactly do these new tax laws mean for us? And more importantly, how should we respond without losing our faith, and our joy?

What's Actually Happening With These New Tax Laws?

We are not taking you through some long Economics class in this article. So, in simple terms, the government is trying to:

• Collect PAYE tax from salary earners
• Bring more people in the informal sector into the tax net
• Use digital systems to reduce "my oga is not around" tax excuses
• Increase enforcement (yes, they're serious this time)

This means that if you earn anything, whether a salary, a freelance income, or your business profits, the government will get a slice. And no, they're not collecting it to sponsor your village people.

Why is this Stressing the Average Nigerian Christian

You see, we don’t think the right word is “stressing” - but for lack of a better word. Before now, Nigeria didn’t have very solid systems for tax payments and that’s why it looked like many persons weren’t paying tax. Now that the structure is coming to place, the concerns vary from how much will be taxed to how it would be collected effectively and whether or not it will be eventually used for the benefits of the citizens. These and many more concerns exist.

Asides these, let’s be honest. The Nigerian Christian is already carrying financial responsibilities like a backpack filled with cement. From:

• Family expectations
• Church commitments
• School fees
• Transport
• “Please assist me” and “Urgent 2k” WhatsApp messages
• Kingdom projects
• And now… structured tax

So when the government says, "Pay your tax," the natural response (even for Christians who were never paying because there was no structure) is:

"God, is this persecution?" 😭

But let's slow down and take a deep look at this, starting from what the Bible says about Tax.

What Does the Bible Say About Tax?

(Yes, It Actually Talks About It)

Jesus addressed the issue of taxes before the FIRS (now NRS) had an office.

"Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's."

— Matthew 22:21

Paul also didn't dodge it:

"Pay taxes to whom taxes are due."

— Romans 13:7

So no, tax is not a new satanic invention of the end times. Even Jesus paid tax — and He didn't even owe it. That alone should humble us small.

So Are Christians Just Supposed to Suffer Silently?

Absolutely not.

Biblical obedience does not mean civic foolishness.

As Christians, our role is not just to pay tax, but to:

1. Understand What We're Paying

Ignorance is not humility.

Know:

• Your tax band

• Your allowable deductions

• What is legal vs illegal

Jesus paid tax — but He asked questions first.

2. Demand Accountability (Without Becoming Bitter)

It is important that we pray for leaders, but we should also ask questions. The Christian faith is not about saying that “anything the government does is God's will."

No.
• Vote wisely
• Speak responsibly
• Support transparency
• Engage policy conversations

Salt does not hide from soup.

3. Be a Light in Compliance

In a system where people dodge tax, businesses underreport their profit and bribes are normalized, it is truly difficult to stay clean. Of a truth, many people want to save and keep every possible penny that they make especially because of corrupt politicians who have steal public funds and spend lavishly, having no regard for tax payers mines. 

A Christian who:
• Files honestly
• Refuses fraud
• Doesn't falsify figures

Is already doing quiet evangelism.

Integrity is loud — even when it's boring.


But What About When the System Is Broken?

This is the hard part.

Yes:
• Roads are bad
• Power is unstable
• Services don't match deductions

David paid taxes to kings who still chased him, and Joseph served governments that didn't worship his God. So we must learn that our obedience is first unto God, not because the system is perfect.

That said:
• Advocacy is still righteous
• Reform is still necessary
• Silence is not spirituality


Practical Wisdom for Nigerian Christians Right Now

Let's be very practical:
• Track your income properly
• Use tax calculators and digital tools
• Separate emotions from compliance
• Plan financially — tax is not a surprise anymore
• Teach your children financial responsibility early

And please —
Stop calling every deduction "the enemy".
Some of them are just arithmetic.

Conclusion

The conclusion of the matter concerning our Faith, Taxes & the Nigerian Reality is simple - paying tax to a government that’s not really accountable doesn't make you less spiritual. At the same time, avoiding tax doesn't make you more clever. Our lives as Christians is not about escaping responsibility, but about carrying it with faith, wisdom, and hope.

And yes, we can laugh a little while doing it.

Because if Nigerians don't laugh, we'll cry.

And if Christians don't think deeply, we'll shout wrongly.

So pay what is due, ask the right questions, and hold your leaders accountable. Also, we must ultimately trust God — even when Caesar updates the tax portal again.