Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party and ex-Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, has cautioned that Nigeria cannot attain sustainable prosperity by imposing heavier taxes on a population already weighed down by poverty, stressing that such an approach amounts to economic suicide.
In a post shared on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on January 2, 2026, Obi called for a people-centred, transparent and lawful taxation system anchored on production, wealth creation and trust between government and citizens.
Drawing from his interactions with global leaders who have successfully transformed their countries, Obi said lasting economic and social progress begins with national consensus, honesty and transparent leadership.
“As I travel the world and meet leaders who have transformed their nations, one lesson is clear: lasting economic and social progress begins with national consensus,” he said, adding that transformative leaders are united by honesty and a shared vision.
He stressed that leadership must be rooted in truth and accountability, noting that citizens deserve sincerity from those entrusted with power. According to him, true leaders do not exploit their people for personal enrichment but build trust, unity and shared purpose as the foundation for sustainable development.
Obi criticised Nigeria’s current taxation approach, arguing that taxation should operate as a genuine social contract founded on fairness, sincerity and concern for citizens’ welfare. He maintained that every tax policy must be clearly explained, including its impact on incomes and its contribution to national development.
He warned that without transparency, taxation becomes a burden rather than a mechanism for growth, insisting that Nigeria must fundamentally rethink its tax policies if it is serious about economic growth, national unity and shared prosperity.
“The purpose of sound fiscal policy is not merely to raise revenue; it is to make the people wealthier so that the nation itself becomes stronger,” Obi said, lamenting that Nigerians are often asked to pay taxes without clarity, explanation or visible benefits.
He further identified the empowerment of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as the sustainable pathway to revenue generation, rather than increasing taxes on struggling citizens.
“When small businesses thrive, jobs are created, incomes rise, and the tax base expands naturally,” he noted. “You cannot tax your way out of poverty — you must produce your way out of it.”
Obi also expressed grave concern over what he described as an unprecedented tax fraud saga, alleging that a tax law was forged, with the National Assembly reportedly admitting that the gazetted version differed from what was passed.
He faulted the imposition of higher taxes under what he termed a manipulated legal framework, warning that citizens were being burdened without transparency, explanation or corresponding benefits.
“There is no virtue in celebrating increased government revenue while the people grow poorer,” he warned, adding that taxing poverty only deepens hardship.
He concluded by calling for a fair, lawful and people-focused tax system that promotes production, rewards enterprise, protects the vulnerable and restores trust between the government and the people, describing this as essential for unity, growth and shared prosperity.
