Nothing Wrong with Tax Reforms, Just Be Transparent, Carry Nigerians Along, Obi Tasks Tinubu

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi has called on President Bola Tinubu’s government to engage more with Nigerians on the proposed tax reform bill currently before the National Assembly.

Mr. Obi advised the government to be more “transparent” in other to build trust to ensure the passage of the bills.

In a statement he issued on Monday evening and shared on his verified X handle, Obi noted that “Tax reform is a critical issue, and there is nothing wrong with pursuing it,” but strongly advocated that “reform must be subject to robust and informed public debate. A public hearing on tax reform is essential, allowing Nigerians from all walks of life to engage meaningfully. This is how we build public trust and ensure inclusivity in policymaking.”

Obi noted that Nigerians must be educated on the benefits accruable to them as citiziens instead of  focusing  “solely on the benefits to the government, particularly in terms of increasing revenue collection.”

His statement:

“However, such reform must be subject to robust and informed public debate. A public hearing on tax reform is essential, allowing Nigerians from all walks of life to engage meaningfully. This is how we build public trust and ensure inclusivity in policymaking.

 

“Matters of this magnitude require extensive deliberation and careful consideration—they should never be rushed.

 

“Public hearings must be conducted to allow for diverse opinions and inputs.

“Such public hearing would also enable the broadest spectrum of public opinion to be reflected in public policy.

 

“When considering tax reforms and similar issues, it is insufficient to focus solely on the benefits to the government, particularly in terms of increasing revenue collection.

 

“We must also take into account the overall impact on the nation and the sustainability of all its regions.

 

“Furthermore, the government must sensitize the people and secure their buy-in for any policy changes.

 

“Trust and legitimacy are the foundation of effective governance, and without them, even the best-intended reforms may fail.

 

“Let us prioritize transparency, deliberation, and public engagement in charting the path forward. This is how we build a truly participatory democracy.