The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has urged the National Assembly to ensure Nigeroans are carried along in the discussion on tax reform, insisting that it should not be done with the government as the sole beneficiary.
Obi said there must be transparency in the proposed tax reform of the federal Government, adding that carrying out tax reform is not bad.
For the former Governor of Anambra State, Tax reform is a critical issue, “and there is nothing wrong with pursuing it,” he wrote on X.
Obi said, however, that the public must be allowed to engage in meaningful debate regarding such reforms.
“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 added.
“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.
“Trust and legitimacy are the foundation of effective governance, and without them, even the best-intended reforms may fail,” he stated.