Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has strongly criticized Nigeria’s revised tax laws, warning that both the process and substance of the reforms could deepen public mistrust and worsen economic hardship for citizens already under severe financial pressure.
Obi’s comments followed a recent report by global accounting firm KPMG, which identified 31 major problem areas in the new tax legislation. The issues include drafting errors, contradictory policies, and administrative loopholes.
In a statement released on Tuesday night, Obi questioned the credibility of the entire tax framework and the opaque manner in which it was introduced. He urged the federal government to immediately suspend the reforms, review them comprehensively, and clearly communicate their purpose and impact to Nigerians.
“It is now undeniable that these tax laws have been fundamentally altered,” Obi said, pointing out that even a reputable firm like KPMG had to hold private meetings with the National Revenue Service to address serious concerns. “If experts require closed-door discussions to understand these complexities, how can ordinary Nigerians be expected to grasp their new tax obligations?”
Obi emphasized that taxation is not merely a fiscal tool but a social contract between the government and its citizens. According to him, such a contract cannot be enforced without understanding or trust.
“Across the world, tax policies are justified by the visible benefits they bring—better healthcare, quality education, jobs, infrastructure, and social protection,” Obi noted. “In Nigeria, however, the focus seems to be on how much more the government can take, rather than what it can give back. A tax system without clear public benefits isn’t reform—it’s extortion.”
