Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has called on the Federal Government to publish the complete details of a tax cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with France, citing concerns over transparency and the use of foreign expertise when sufficient local capacity exists.
He made the call in a post on X on Wednesday.
The agreement, which has generated significant public debate, involves tax administration, revenue systems, and data management between the two nations. However, the full terms have not been made public, prompting questions about its scope and benefits to Nigeria.
“Recent reports concerning a tax cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nigeria and France have generated understandable public concern,” Obi said in a statement. “While international collaboration is not inherently objectionable, agreements relating to tax administration, revenue systems, and data management demand a high level of openness because of their direct impact on public trust.”
The Labour Party leader expressed particular concern that such a significant agreement appears to have been concluded without adequate public explanation. “It is therefore worrisome that an agreement of this significance appears to have been concluded without the full terms being made public, and without a clear effort to explain its objectives, scope, and expected outcomes to Nigerians,” he stated.
While not opposing foreign expertise outright, Obi emphasised that such engagements must be justified with clear explanations of the gaps they intend to fill and why local solutions are insufficient. He pointed to Nigeria’s substantial pool of tax professionals and consulting firms as evidence that external partnerships may be unnecessary.
“Nigeria is not lacking in tax expertise. The country has a strong pool of qualified tax professionals, advisory firms, and globally recognised consultancies already operating locally, with the capacity to support tax reform and modernisation,” Obi noted, adding that it is reasonable for Nigerians to question why external partnerships take priority over strengthening local capacity.
The criticism comes amid severe economic challenges facing Nigeria, with over 60 per cent of the population living in multidimensional poverty and youth unemployment remaining widespread.
Obi, a two-time governor of Anambra State between 2007 and 2014, argued that policy focus should centre on simplifying the tax system, closing revenue leakages, and ensuring the prudent use of public resources.
“Any agreement or policy initiative that lacks transparency, public confidence, and clearly defined, measurable benefits risks further eroding trust in government,” he warned. “It is therefore imperative that the Federal Government publishes the full MoU, clearly explains its rationale, and outlines the mutual benefits – particularly the tangible advantages Nigeria stands to gain.”
Obi concluded by calling for accountability in governance: “Leadership demands openness, accountability, and commitment to the interests of the Nigerian people. Decisions of this nature must always be guided by what best serves the nation.”
The Federal Government has not yet responded to the calls for full disclosure of the agreement’s terms.
