Presidential candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Mr Peter Obi, has called for transparency in the Federal Government’s proposed tax reforms.
Obi, who made the call on Tuesday via his X handle, said carrying out tax reforms was not bad but that the populace must be carried along while government should not be the sole beneficiary.
“Tax reform is a critical issue and there is nothing wrong with pursuing it. However, such reforms must be subject to a robust public debate. 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 policy making.
“Matters of this magnitude require extensive deliberations and careful consideration; they should never be rushed. Public hearings must be conducted to allow for diverse opinions and inputs.
“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,” he said.
Obi further stated that apart from the benefits to government, the overall impacts on the nation and the sustainability of all its component parts must be taken into account.
“Furthermore, the government must sensitise the people and secure their buy-in for any policy change. Trust and legitimacy are the foundations of effective governance; without them, even the best-intended reforms may fail.
“Let us prioritise transparency, deliberations and public engagement in charting the pathway forward. This is how we can build a truly participatory democracy, and a new Nigeria is possible,’’ he said.
