Obi cautions against ’hasty’ passage of tax reform bills, calls for public hearing

Former governor, Peter Obi, has weighed in on the heated conversation around tax reform bills transmitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu in September.

In a statement on his X on Monday, Mr Obi reiterated the need to subject the bills to extensive debate, stating it’s necessary to convince Nigerians.

“Tax reform is a critical issue, and there is nothing wrong with pursuing it”, Mr Obi declared.

Mr Obi, however, noted that the bills should be subject to wider consultations to accommodate diverse perspectives, reiterating the need for the government to earn Nigerians’ trust.

“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.”

Last week, the National Assembly passed the reforms for the second reading in an intense plenary session. However, the move has come under heavy criticism as Nigerians accused lawmakers of ulterior motive.

But Mr Obi cautioned the Nigerian government not to hurriedly pass the bills into law, stressing further sensitization. 

“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”, he said.

“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”, the former governor added.

Mr Obi further emphasised the need for transparency at all levels for the reforms to serve their intended purposes.

“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 concluded.