Politician and a former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi has urged the Bola Tinubu administration to involve citizens in a national debate before the tax reform bills are enacted into law.
He made the recommendation in a statement posted on his official X account on Monday.
While acknowledging the importance of the bills for the country’s development, Obi emphasized that such reforms should undergo thorough deliberation before any final decisions are made.
Tax reform is a critical issue, and there is nothing wrong with pursuing it.
However, such reform must be subject to robust and informed public debate. A public hearing on tax reform is essential, allowing Nigerians from all walks of life to engage meaningfully. This is how we…
— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) December 2, 2024
“Tax reform is a critical issue, and there is nothing wrong with pursuing it. However, such reform must be subject to robust and informed 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 policymaking.
“Matters of this magnitude require extensive deliberation and careful consideration—they should never be rushed. Public hearings must be conducted to allow for diverse opinions and inputs. Such public hearing would also enable the broadest spectrum of public opinion to be reflected in public policy.
“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.
“We must also take into account the overall impact on the nation and the sustainability of all its regions. Furthermore, the government must sensitize the people and secure their buy-in for any policy changes.
“Trust and legitimacy are the foundation of effective governance, and without them, even the best-intended reforms may fail. Let us prioritize transparency, deliberation, and public engagement in charting the path forward.
“This is how we build a truly participatory democracy,” he said.
The Tax Reform Bills have continued to generate controversies since their introduction, with particularly northern governors calling for their withdrawal.