Taxation is Government’s Share of Prosperity it Created; Leaders Must Give Before Asking for Tax – Otti

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has said that taxation should be seen as the government’s share of the prosperity it has created for its people.

Speaking in a video shared by Abia Daily on X, the governor explained that his administration’s Internally Generated Revenue surpassed its 2024 target of ₦32 billion by ₦7 billion despite granting tax holidays and avoiding aggressive collection.

Otti stressed that the performance was possible because of his approach to taxation and his belief that government should first provide value before demanding revenue.

“I believe that taxation is the government’s share of the prosperity it has created amongst the populace,” Otti said in the clip.

He added, “As a government, you must first give to your people before asking for something (tax) in return.”

The comments sparked reactions online, with many users comparing his stance with the policies of President Bola Tinubu’s government.

One user, @RichieX44, wrote that Nigerians could not be taxed without access to good healthcare, a reliable power supply, decent roads and jobs.

Another user, @LindaDeekay, said Tinubu’s administration removed the fuel subsidy without providing alternatives and was now seeking to add more tax on petrol.

Others hailed Otti’s consistency, recalling that he made similar remarks during his campaign and has lived up to the promise since assuming office.

Some commentators urged other governors to learn from his model, with one describing Otti as “a leader with empathy” who puts citizens first.

The clip has since been widely circulated, with calls for it to be shared with the Federal Government as a reminder that taxation must go hand in hand with accountability and service delivery.