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| Peter Obi |
Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has voiced serious concerns over a recent tax cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nigeria and France.
Recent reports on the deal have sparked widespread public unease, and Obi agrees it’s justified.
International partnerships aren’t the issue, he stresses, but tax deals touching revenue, administration, and data must prioritize radical transparency to safeguard public trust.
Obi finds it alarming that this major agreement seems finalized without releasing full terms or clearly outlining its goals, scope, and benefits for Nigerians.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he emphasized: “Transparency is non-negotiable when public funds and credibility are at stake.”
While open to foreign expertise, Obi insists any such move needs ironclad justification: pinpoint the local gaps it fills, explain why homegrown solutions fall short, and spell out tangible gains for everyday Nigerians to ensure trust and real value for the nation.
He wrote further: “This is especially important because Nigeria is not lacking in tax expertise. 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. 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.
“These concerns arise at a time of significant economic strain. Over 60 per cent of Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty. Youth unemployment remains widespread. Small and medium-scale enterprises are burdened by multiple taxes, while government borrowing continues to rise without commensurate gains in productivity. 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.
“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.
“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 concluded.
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