NIGERIA: Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on the Federal Government to prioritise transparency and public trust in its efforts to reform Nigeria’s tax system, following reports of a tax cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nigeria and France.
In a statement posted on his verified X (formerly known as Twitter) handle on Wednesday, Obi said while international cooperation is not wrong in itself, agreements touching on tax administration, revenue systems and data management must be handled with “a high level of openness” because of their direct impact on citizens and public confidence.
“Recent reports concerning a tax cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nigeria and France have generated understandable public concern,” Obi said.
“While international collaboration is not inherently objectionable, agreements relating to tax administration, revenue systems, and data management demand a high level of openness because of their direct impact on public trust.”
He expressed worry that an agreement of such magnitude appeared to have been concluded without the full terms being disclosed or clearly explained to Nigerians.
“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 noted, stressing that “transparency is essential in matters that directly affect public revenue and institutional credibility.”
Obi clarified that he was not opposed to engaging foreign expertise but insisted such partnerships must be properly justified and clearly communicated.
“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 said.
The former Anambra State governor argued that Nigeria already has a deep pool of tax professionals and advisory firms capable of supporting meaningful reform.
“Nigeria is not lacking in tax expertise,” Obi stated.
“The country has a strong pool of qualified tax professionals, advisory firms, and globally recognised consultancies already operating locally… Sustainable reform should build institutions from within.”
He warned that the timing of the agreement was particularly sensitive, given the country’s economic challenges.
According to him, more than 60 per cent of Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty, youth unemployment remains high, and small and medium-scale businesses are weighed down by multiple taxes, even as government borrowing continues to rise.
“In such circumstances,” Obi said, “policy attention should focus on simplifying the tax system, closing revenue leakages, broadening the tax base fairly, and ensuring prudent use of public resources.”
He cautioned that any policy lacking transparency and measurable benefits could further weaken public trust, urging the Federal Government to take immediate steps to address public concerns.
“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,” Obi said.
He concluded by emphasising that leadership must always put Nigerians first. “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.”
Obi ended his message with his familiar efrain: “A New Nigeria is POssible.”
