Peter Obi, 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), says meaningful reform of Nigeria’s tax system can only succeed if it is anchored on trust and transparency.
Obi made the remarks in a post on his verified X handle on Wednesday while reacting to reports of a tax cooperation memorandum of understanding between Nigeria and France.
He said international partnerships were not objectionable in principle but stressed that agreements involving tax administration, revenue frameworks and data management demand openness because of their direct implications for public confidence.
“It is therefore worrisome that an agreement of this significance appears to have been concluded without the full terms being made public, and without a clear effort to explain its objectives, scope, and expected outcomes to Nigerians,” he said.
“Transparency is essential in matters that directly affect public revenue and institutional credibility.”
Obi said he was not opposed to engaging foreign expertise but insisted such decisions must be clearly explained and justified in the national interest.
“That said, I am not opposed to engaging foreign expertise. However, such engagements must be clearly justified, with a transparent explanation of the specific gaps they are intended to fill, why those gaps cannot be addressed locally, and, above all, the concrete benefits to Nigerians.”
He argued that Nigeria already possesses sufficient technical capacity to drive tax reform without undue reliance on external partners.
“This is especially important because Nigeria is not lacking in tax expertise,” Obi said.
“The country has a strong pool of qualified tax professionals, advisory firms, and globally recognised consultancies already operating locally, with the capacity to support tax reform and modernisation.”
The former Anambra state governor said prioritising foreign partnerships over local capacity raised legitimate questions about the sustainability of proposed reforms.
“In light of this, it is reasonable for Nigerians to question why external partnerships are made a priority instead of strengthening and leveraging existing local capacity. Sustainable reform should build institutions from within.”
Obi said the concerns were heightened by Nigeria’s current economic difficulties, which continue to weigh heavily on citizens and businesses.
“These concerns arise at a time of significant economic strain. Over 60 per cent of Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty. Youth unemployment remains widespread,” he said.
“Small and medium-scale enterprises are burdened by multiple taxes, while government borrowing continues to rise without commensurate gains in productivity.”
He said government policy should prioritise efficiency and fairness rather than opaque agreements.
“In such circumstances, policy attention should focus on simplifying the tax system, closing revenue leakages, broadening the tax base fairly, and ensuring prudent use of public resources.”
Obi warned that initiatives lacking openness and measurable value could further weaken public trust in government.
“Any agreement or policy initiative that lacks transparency, public confidence, and clearly defined, measurable benefits risks further eroding trust in government.
“It is therefore imperative that the Federal Government publishes the full MoU, clearly explains its rationale, and outlines the mutual benefits—particularly the tangible advantages Nigeria stands to gain.”
He said leadership required accountability and decisions guided strictly by national interest.
“Leadership demands openness, accountability, and commitment to the interests of the Nigerian people. Decisions of this nature must always be guided by what best serves the nation,” he wrote.