…Says transparency non-negotiable
#FixPolitics Initiative has called on the Federal Government and its tax agency to immediately publish the Memorandum of Understanding with France’s tax authority, in full, for informed public scrutiny.
In a statement signed by Anthony Ubani, its Executive Director, #FixPolitics Initiative argued that the Federal Government’s interpretation of the content and intent of the MoU “does not suffice”.
According to the Federal Inland Revenue Service, the MoU is intended to support technical cooperation, capacity building and digital transformation within Nigeria’s tax system.
Expressing concern over widespread public reaction to the government’s relationship with France regarding the country’s tax administration, the group stated, “We particularly note that the official statements were reactive, in response to the public outcry, not a well-considered and intentional communication to inform Nigerians of such a critical decision that affects their daily existence with the potential of undermining personal data, public trust and national sovereignty. Transparency is the only antidote to misinformation, speculation and fear.”
“#FixPolitics recognises that the public anxiety is understandable. Tax administration sits at the heart of state sovereignty, public trust, citizens’ rights and daily survival. Any agreement touching this sensitive space must, therefore, be handled with the highest standards of openness, accountability, democratic oversight and care.”
Nigeria’s challenge, it added, is not whether to learn from global best practices, but how to do so without undermining public trust or national sovereignty.
#FixPolitics, a citizens-led movement to structurally change and innovate politics in Nigeria, Africa and the rest of the world, vowed to continue engaging citizens, policymakers and institutions to ensure that reforms in Nigeria’s public systems strengthen democracy, protect citizens’ rights and serve the long-term national interest.
