ABUJA — Representatives of private schools in the Federal Capital Territory have raised concerns about the growing burden of multiple taxes, regulatory charges and levies imposed by different authorities. The Abuja Schools Association and the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, FCT chapter, presented the concerns during a meeting with Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba. Private schools play an important role in Nigeria's education system by providing places for millions of pupils and reducing pressure on public schools. However, school operators face significant costs related to staff salaries, facilities, learning materials, utilities and regulatory compliance. Additional taxes and overlapping charges can increase those expenses. School owners may eventually pass higher operating costs on to parents through increased fees. Rising school fees can make private education less affordable for families and may affect enrolment decisions. Operators therefore want government agencies to coordinate their regulatory activities and reduce unnecessary duplication. Regulation is important because schools need to meet standards relating to safety, teaching quality, infrastructure and child protection. However, effective regulation should also be predictable and proportionate. Multiple agencies imposing separate requirements can create administrative difficulties, particularly for smaller schools. Clear communication between authorities and school operators can help identify which charges are legally required and which may overlap with existing obligations. Private schools also need access to financing for infrastructure and staff development. Financial pressure can make it harder for schools to invest in laboratories, libraries, technology and teacher training. Maintaining quality therefore requires a balance between regulation and economic sustainability. Teachers are another major cost for private schools. Competitive salaries are necessary to attract and retain qualified educators. If schools are unable to pay adequately, staff turnover can affect continuity of learning. Professional development also requires resources. Government can support the sector by creating clearer regulatory frameworks and encouraging partnerships that improve teacher training and school infrastructure. Private school associations can likewise work with authorities to improve compliance and share information among operators. Parents are directly affected by the cost of running private schools. Many families choose private education because of perceived differences in class size, facilities or teaching. If fees rise sharply, some families may struggle to maintain their children's enrolment. This can increase pressure on public schools. The concerns raised by private school operators therefore have implications beyond the businesses themselves. The sustainability of private schools is connected to the broader capacity of Nigeria's education system. Authorities need accurate information about the number of private schools, their enrolment and the services they provide. Data can help policymakers understand the sector's contribution and identify areas where support or stronger oversight is required. Regulatory reform should ultimately protect students while allowing responsible schools to operate sustainably. Simplifying administrative processes can reduce costs without weakening standards. Dialogue between government and school associations can help achieve that balance. The concerns raised in Abuja highlight the importance of treating education regulation as part of a wider policy framework. Schools need to meet acceptable standards, but they also need an environment in which they can remain financially viable. If regulatory agencies coordinate their activities and provide clear guidance, private schools may be better able to focus resources on what matters most: providing quality education to children.