Peter Obi, a former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, has urged Nigeria to reconsider taxation if it is serious about shared wealth, economic growth, and national unity.
The former governor of Anambra State noted in a post on his 𝕏 handle (previously Twitter) that the goal of solid fiscal policy is not only to increase revenue but also to increase the wealth of the populace in order to strengthen the nation.
He asserts that there is no virtue in applauding higher government revenue as the populace becomes impoverished.
“As I travel the world and meet leaders who have transformed their nations, one lesson is clear: national consensus is the first step toward lasting economic and social progress,” he stated. Honesty is a characteristic that distinguishes transformative leaders—those who successfully bring their followers together around a common goal. Since citizens expect nothing less from those in positions of authority, the government must be open and honest. True leaders foster trust, togetherness, and a common goal—the cornerstones of long-term progress—instead of taking advantage of their followers to enrich themselves and a select group of friends.
Nigeria’s current taxation policy must be evaluated in light of this norm of honest leadership. Taxes must be based on honesty, justice, and concern for the wellbeing of the populace if they are to serve as a true social compact. Every tax policy should be presented in detail, including how it will affect earnings and how it would likely advance national growth. Without this transparency, taxes cease to be a vehicle for development and growth and instead become a source of burden and misunderstanding.
If Nigeria is serious about economic progress, national unity, and shared wealth, it needs to reconsider taxation. The goal of good fiscal policy is to increase the wealth of the populace in order to strengthen the country as a whole, not just to increase revenue. However, Nigerians are now required to pay taxes without any clarification, justification, or obvious advantage.
“In every community, empowering small and medium-sized businesses is the first step toward the solution. The tax base organically grows, incomes increase, and jobs are created when small enterprises prosper. You have to earn your way out of poverty; you cannot tax your way out.
The ongoing tax fraud scandal is especially concerning because of this. According to reports, a tax law has been forged for the first time in Nigerian history. The National Assembly has acknowledged that the version that was gazetted is not the same as the bill that was passed. However, under this contrived system, citizens are being asked to pay increased taxes without any justification, transparency, or advantages.
“Celebrating higher government revenue as the populace becomes poorer is morally reprehensible. Taxing poverty makes things worse rather than better. The core ideas of sound fiscal policy and good governance are violated by any tax scheme that makes citizens poorer.
“Nigeria requires a just, legal, and people-centered tax system that encourages output, rewards business, safeguards the weak, and rebuilds public confidence in the government. Then and only then will taxes be a real instrument for harmony, development, and prosperity for all.
