Peter Obi, a former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, has urged Nigeria to reconsider taxation if it is serious about shared wealth, national cohesion, and economic growth.
The former governor of Anambra State noted in a post on his đť•Ź handle (previously Twitter) that the goal of good economic policy is to increase the wealth of the populace in order to strengthen the country.
He contends that there is no virtue in applauding higher government revenue while the populace becomes more impoverished.
“As I travel the world and meet leaders who have transformed their nations, one lesson is clear: national consensus is the first step towards lasting economic and social progress,” he stated. One characteristic that distinguishes transformative leaders—those who successfully bring their followers together around a common goal—is honesty. Because citizens expect nothing less from those in positions of authority, the government must be open and honest. True leaders foster unity, trust, and a common goal—the cornerstones of long-term progress—rather than taking advantage of their followers to enrich themselves and a select group of friends.
Nigeria’s current tax policy must be evaluated in light of this norm of honest leadership. Taxation must be based on sincerity, justice, and care for the well-being of the populace if it is to serve as a true social compact. Every tax policy should be explained in detail, including how it affects earnings and how it is anticipated to advance national development. Without this transparency, taxes cease to be a vehicle for development and growth and instead become a source of misunderstanding and stress.
If Nigeria is serious about shared wealth, national unity, and economic success, it needs to reconsider taxation. The goal of solid 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 clarity, justification, or obvious advantage.
“Empowering small and medium-sized businesses in every community is the first step towards the solution. Jobs are generated, incomes increase, and the tax base organically grows when small enterprises prosper. You must produce your way out of poverty; you cannot tax your way out of it.
Because of this, the recurring story of tax fraud is very concerning. According to reports, a tax law has been created for the first time in Nigerian history. The National Assembly has acknowledged that the version that was gazetted is not the same as the one that became legislation. However, under this contrived system, citizens are being asked to pay increased taxes without any explanation, transparency, or advantages.
“Celebrating higher government revenue as the populace becomes poorer is morally repugnant. Taxing poverty exacerbates suffering rather than generating riches. The basic tenets of sound fiscal policy and good governance are violated by any tax regime that makes citizens poorer.
“Nigeria needs a just, legal, and people-centered tax system that encourages productivity, rewards business, safeguards the weak, and rebuilds public confidence in the government. Then and only then will taxes be a genuine instrument for harmony, development, and prosperity for all.
