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Oxfam Urges Governments to Reduce Inequality in Nigeria


Abuja: Oxfam, an international non-governmental organisation, has urged all tiers of government to tackle inequality and wealth gap among Nigerians. John Makina, Country Director, Oxfam in Nigeria, made the call at the unveiling of the State of Climate Finance in Nigeria Report and 2025 Davos report on Inequality in Abuja. Makina, represented by Mr Hamzat Lawal, Chief Executive Officer, Connected Development (CODE), identified Nigeria’s wealth gap as a moral and social crisis.



According to News Agency of Nigeria, Makina highlighted the disparity where a few individuals have amassed immense wealth while more than 133 million face hunger daily. He noted that this extreme inequality is largely unearned, built on inheritance, monopolies, and unfair advantages. Makina emphasized the need for action to create a fairer system by taxing the richest, addressing injustices, and investing in services that lift millions out of poverty.



Makina recommended that global tax policy should fall under a new UN tax convention, ensuring the richest people and corporations pay their fair share. He pointed out that Oxfam’s analysis showed half of the world’s billionaires reside in countries with no inheritance tax for direct descendants. He argued that inheritance needed to be taxed to dismantle the new aristocracy.



The report, as cited by Makina, from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) indicates that only 40 wealthy individuals pay taxes in Nigeria. He questioned whether the taxes paid are fair compared to the income or profit earned, stressing the need for ongoing tax and fiscal reforms to focus on taxing not just billionaires but also millionaires.



Makina stated the purpose of the study was to develop climate financing information to ensure meaningful and informed participation of citizens in social and financial accountability of climate finance, with a focus at both national and local levels. By providing strategic development of resources and information on climate finance in Nigeria, the study aims to inform partners about Oxfam’s current and future climate finance programming and advocacy in Nigeria.