Peter Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, has cautioned that Nigeria runs the risk of worsening poverty and eroding national unity by pursing a tax system that punishes an already destitute populace.Travel Packages for Nigeria
He emphasised that economic growth must be based on honesty, productivity, and trust and that policies that make citizens poorer cannot lead to true prosperity.
In a statement posted on X, Obi discussed taxes, leadership responsibilities, and the deteriorating social compact between citizens and the government.
“As I travel the world and meet leaders who have transformed their nations, one lesson is clear: lasting economic and social progress begins with national consensus. Transformative leaders share a defining quality, honesty. Government must be transparent and truthful because citizens deserve nothing less from those who lead them,” he said.
Peter Obi argued that taxes ought to operate as a true social compact based on honesty, justice, and care for the well-being of the populace. Every tax policy, in his opinion, ought to be described in detail, including how it affects incomes and advances national development.
“If taxation is to function as a genuine social contract, it must be rooted in sincerity, fairness and concern for the welfare of the people. Without transparency, taxation becomes a tool of confusion and burden rather than a mechanism for growth and development,” he said.
Nigeria’s economic dilemma, according to the former governor, is not just about increasing revenue but also about making citizens wealthy so that the country can become stronger. He claimed that Nigerians are being pushed to pay more taxes without any justification, clarification, or obvious public advantages.
He stated that the foundation of sustainable economic growth is the empowering of small and medium-sized firms, pointing out that successful small businesses increase earnings, generate jobs, and organically broaden the tax base.
Peter Obi also voiced alarm over what he called an unprecedented tax fraud situation, claiming that the National Assembly did not pass the tax law that is currently in effect.
According to sources, the legislature itself has admitted that there are differences between what was passed and what was subsequently gazetted, he said.
“For the first time in Nigeria’s history, a tax law has reportedly been forged. Yet citizens are being asked to pay higher taxes under this manipulated framework, without transparency, explanation or corresponding benefits,” he said.
Peter Obi warned against celebrating increased government revenue while citizens grow poorer, describing such outcomes as a failure of governance rather than success.
“There is no virtue in celebrating increased government revenue while the people grow poorer. Any tax system that makes citizens poorer violates the fundamental principles of good governance and sound fiscal policy,” Obi said.
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