Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has urged the federal government to suspend the implementation of the new tax law.
themomentng reports that the former Anambra governor warned that it is poorly structured and unfair to Nigerians who are already struggling with economic hardship.
Obi made the call in a post on X, formerly Twitter, where he raised concerns about the changes introduced in the tax system.
He pointed out that the laws have been altered in a way that has created serious problems, saying that global accounting firm KPMG reportedly identified 31 major issues ranging from drafting mistakes to policy conflicts and administrative gaps.
According to Obi, it is worrying that such flaws only came to light after private engagements between the National Revenue Service and KPMG.
He argued that if experts need closed-door meetings to fully understand the tax laws, ordinary Nigerians would find it almost impossible to grasp what is being demanded of them.
The former Anambra State Governor explained that taxation is more than a means of generating revenue, describing it as a social agreement between the government and the people.
He stressed that such an agreement cannot work if citizens do not understand it or trust those enforcing it.
Obi further stated that in many parts of the world, tax policies are backed by visible benefits such as better healthcare, quality education, job creation, improved infrastructure and strong social support systems.
He said the situation in Nigeria is different, as the focus appears to be on increasing revenue collection without clearly showing citizens what they stand to gain in return.
The ADC chieftain also criticised the lack of broad consultations before the tax laws were finalised. Obi noted that in standard practice, governments engage businesses, workers and civil groups for months or years before presenting tax proposals, ensuring people understand both their obligations and the benefits involved.
He said this process was missing in Nigeria, leaving citizens confused about the new rules and their purpose.
The former presidential candidate added that enforcement is being pushed without consensus or clear communication, even as Nigerians are yet to see relief following the removal of fuel subsidies.
He said many citizens are battling rising food prices, high transport costs, reduced purchasing power and increasing poverty.
Obi warned that introducing a wide-ranging tax regime filled with inconsistencies at such a time reflects poor governance.
He said taxation without trust feels like punishment, while a system without clarity creates confusion and hardship.
According to him, Nigeria must not place additional pressure on its citizens and called on the government to listen, communicate better and build national agreement before moving forward.
Obi said genuine reform can only happen through trust, understanding and shared benefits, adding that building a new Nigeria is no longer optional but necessary.
