Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, has urged the federal government to hold a public hearing before the tax reform bills are enacted.
In a statement on Monday, Obi said tax reform is an
important 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,” he said.
According to the former governor of Anambra state,
conducting a public hearing would ensure the government builds public trust and
ensures inclusivity in policymaking.
“Matters of this magnitude require extensive deliberation
and careful consideration—they should never be rushed,” he said.
“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, Obi said it
is not enough to focus solely on the benefits to the government, particularly
in terms of boosting revenue collection.
“We must also take into account the overall impact on the
nation and the sustainability of all its regions,” he said.
“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.”
Obi asked the government to prioritise transparency,
deliberation, and public engagement in charting the path forward, adding that
“this is how we build a truly participatory democracy”.
In October, President Bola Tinubu asked the national
assembly to consider and pass four tax reform bills.
The legislations are the Nigeria Tax Bill, Nigeria Tax
Administration Bill, Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill and the Joint
Revenue Board Establishment Bill.
The Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) opposed the
bills, while the national economic council (NEC) asked Tinubu to withdraw them
for further consultation.
However, Tinubu said the tax reform bills will not be
withdrawn but the national assembly can make changes.
On Monday, the presidency said there is no provision in the
tax reform bills before the national assembly that will impoverish the northern
region of the country.
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