Obi decries ‘taxing poverty’, seeks transparent fiscal policy
The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, yesterday warned the Federal Government against policies that “tax poverty” into deeper hardship, urging a shift to honest, people-centred fiscal strategies for true national development.
In a statement issued on Friday, Obi insisted that sustainable progress demands national consensus, transparent governance and leadership built on trust.
He drew lessons from global economies that succeeded by uniting citizens around shared visions, stressing honesty as the bedrock of transformation.“Governments must give citizens clarity, transparency and sincerity in policy-making,” Obi said, adding that leaders who exploit the masses for personal gain erode unity and growth.
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Obi faulted Nigeria’s current tax regime, arguing it fails as a legitimate social contract without fairness and visible benefits.
He called for clear explanations of tax impacts on incomes and contributions to development.“Without transparency, taxation becomes a tool of confusion and burden, not growth,” he stated, noting Nigerians now face taxes without justification or tangible returns.
He advocated rethinking fiscal policy to prioritise wealth creation over mere revenue, as a productive economy naturally widens the tax base.
“You cannot tax your way out of poverty; you must produce your way out,” Obi emphasised.
The former Anambra governor identified empowering small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as key to jobs, higher incomes and organic tax expansion.
Obi also raised alarms over alleged tax fraud, claiming for the first time in Nigeria’s history, a gazetted tax law differs from what the National Assembly passed, yet citizens must pay higher levies under the “manipulated” version. ‘Don’t celebrate revenue amid suffering’
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He described it as alarming to hail rising government revenue while living standards plummet, warning that impoverishing taxes violate good governance.
Obi urged a fair, lawful system that supports production, rewards enterprise, shields the vulnerable and rebuilds trust, making taxation a tool for unity and prosperity.
