Former Vice‑President and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has reacted to the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nigeria and France on tax cooperation, underscoring that any overhaul of the nation’s tax system must be rooted in trust, transparency and fairness. Obi’s comments come as Nigerians and stakeholders assess the implications of the agreement, which is intended to strengthen tax administration and information exchange between the two countries.
In his response, Obi welcomed international collaboration on taxation but warned that technical fixes alone will not produce the desired results unless citizens and businesses have confidence in how revenue is raised, managed and spent. He reiterated that a predictable and equitable tax regime where taxpayers see tangible benefits is essential for compliance and for broadening the domestic revenue base.
The former presidential candidate argued that trust in government institutions must accompany policy reforms if Nigeria is to significantly improve tax yields without overburdening already struggling households and enterprises. Obi’s critique aligns with wider public concerns over how tax proceeds are allocated and the perceived disconnect between tax policy and improvements in public services.
Obi called on government and civil society leaders to engage in constructive dialogue on tax reform that prioritises accountability and strengthens democratic oversight mechanisms. His remarks reflect ongoing debates about Nigeria’s fiscal architecture and the need for reforms that not only enhance revenue but also deepen citizen participation in governance.
