(Apples Bite Magazine) – Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has raised concerns over the lack of transparency surrounding a tax cooperation agreement between Nigeria and France, calling on the federal government to publicly release the complete terms of the memorandum of understanding.
In a statement posted on his X account Wednesday, Obi acknowledged that international partnerships can be beneficial but stressed that agreements involving tax administration, revenue systems, and data management require maximum transparency due to their direct impact on public confidence.
“It is therefore worrisome that an agreement of this significance appears to have been concluded without a clear effort to explain its objectives, scope, and expected outcomes to Nigerians. Transparency is essential in matters that directly affect public revenue and institutional credibility,” he stated.
The agreement in question was signed between the Federal Inland Revenue Service and France’s Direction Générale des Finances Publiques with the stated goal of accelerating digital transformation of Nigeria’s tax system, enhancing cross-border enforcement, and building institutional capacity. The partnership was formalised just weeks before FIRS undergoes its scheduled transition to the Nigeria Revenue Service in January 2026.
According to a December 10 statement from the Presidency, the memorandum focuses on modernising revenue collection through improved compliance management, enhanced taxpayer services, and data-driven enforcement mechanisms.
However, Obi questioned the rationale for prioritising foreign expertise when Nigeria possesses numerous qualified tax professionals, advisory firms, and internationally recognised consultancies capable of supporting tax reforms and modernisation efforts.
“In light of this, it is reasonable for Nigerians to question why external partnerships are made a priority instead of strengthening and leveraging existing local capacity. Sustainable reform should build institutions from within,” he argued.
The former presidential candidate emphasised that while he does not oppose engaging foreign experts, the government must clearly articulate what specific gaps these experts will address, why domestic professionals cannot fulfil these roles, and how Nigerian citizens will benefit from the arrangement.
His critique comes against a backdrop of severe economic challenges, including widespread poverty, high youth unemployment, heavy tax burdens on small enterprises, and increasing government debt.
Obi urged policymakers to concentrate on simplifying tax structures, plugging revenue leakages, broadening the tax base equitably, and ensuring prudent management of public funds. He warned that any policy lacking transparency, public trust, and clearly measurable benefits risks further undermining confidence in government institutions.
“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,” he concluded.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
