"ANY AGREEMENT OR POLICY INITIATIVE THAT LACKS TRANSPARENCY, PUBLIC CONFIDENCE, AND CLEARLY DEFINED, MEASURABLE BENEFITS RISKS FURTHER ERODING TRUST IN GOVERNMENT."- PETER OBI . (PHOTO)

 "Any agreement or policy initiative that lacks transparency, public confidence, and clearly defined, measurable benefits risks further eroding trust in government."- Peter Obi 

Former presidential candidate of the labour party, Peter Obi has urged the Federal Government to ensure transparency and public accountability in reforming Nigeria’s tax system, following reports of a tax cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nigeria and France.

Obi expressed concern that the agreement was reportedly concluded without making its full terms public or clearly explaining its objectives, scope, and benefits to Nigerians. He stressed that tax-related agreements require openness because they directly affect public revenue and trust in government.

While not opposed to foreign collaboration, Obi said such partnerships must be clearly justified, especially given Nigeria’s strong pool of local tax experts and advisory firms capable of supporting reforms. He questioned why external partnerships are prioritised over strengthening local capacity.

Highlighting Nigeria’s current economic challenges—widespread poverty, high youth unemployment, pressure on small businesses, and rising public debt—Obi said tax reforms should focus on simplification, fairness, closing leakages, and prudent use of resources.

He called on the Federal Government to publish the full MoU, explain its rationale, and clearly outline the tangible benefits to Nigeria, noting that leadership requires transparency, accountability, and decisions guided by the national interest.