Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Former presidential candidate and public policy advocate, Peter Obi, has called on the Federal Government to ensure full transparency in the recently signed tax cooperation Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, between Nigeria and France.
In a statement addressing growing public concerns, Obi emphasised that agreements involving tax administration, revenue systems, and data management must be conducted openly, given their direct impact on public trust.
“Transparency is essential in matters that directly affect public revenue and institutional credibility,” Obi said.
“It is worrisome that an agreement of this significance appears to have been concluded without the full terms being made public, and without a clear effort to explain its objectives, scope, and expected outcomes to Nigerians.”
Obi clarified that he is not opposed to foreign expertise in tax reform but insisted that any such engagement must be justified and transparent.
“Agreements like this must clearly explain the specific gaps they are intended to fill, why those gaps cannot be addressed locally, and, above all, the concrete benefits to Nigerians,” he stressed.
He further highlighted Nigeria’s domestic capacity for tax reform. “The country has a strong pool of qualified tax professionals, advisory firms, and globally recognised consultancies already operating locally. Sustainable reform should build institutions from within,” Obi noted.
The former public officeholder also framed the MoU issue within Nigeria’s broader economic context, citing high poverty levels, widespread youth unemployment, and heavy tax burdens on small and medium enterprises.
“Policy attention should focus on simplifying the tax system, closing revenue leakages, broadening the tax base fairly, and ensuring prudent use of public resources,” he said.
Obi warned that initiatives lacking transparency and clear public benefit risk eroding citizens’ trust in government. He urged the Federal Government to publish the full MoU and provide Nigerians with a detailed explanation of its objectives and expected benefits.
“Leadership demands openness, accountability, and commitment to the interests of the Nigerian people. Decisions of this nature must always be guided by what best serves the nation,” he added.
Obi concluded his statement by reiterating his vision for a new, accountable, and citizen-focused Nigeria.
