Setback as Senate suspends actions on President Tinubu’s Tax Reform bills
Setback as Senate suspends actions on President Tinubu’s Tax Reform bills
The Senate has formed a special committee to engage with a federal government delegation over ongoing discussions on the controversial tax reform bills.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over Wednesday’s plenary, announced the committee’s formation, emphasising the need for unity in addressing any disagreements over the proposed reforms.
“We don’t want the country disunited. So, the delegations will meet to resolve the grey areas,” Jibrin stated.
The newly appointed committee members include Abba Moro (Minority Leader), Tahir Monguno (Chief Whip), Adamu Ailero (Kebbi Central), Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West), Titus Zam (Benue South), Abdullahi Yahaya (Kebbi North), Adeola Olamilekan (Ogun West), Sani Musa (Niger East), and Adetokunbo Abiru (Lagos East).
The move follows a directive from President Bola Tinubu, who instructed the Ministry of Justice to collaborate with the National Assembly to address concerns surrounding the four tax reform bills.
These bills—comprising the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill—have been met with significant debate and opposition, especially from regional leaders.
On October 28, the Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) voiced strong opposition to the bills, claiming that the proposed legislation would negatively affect the region’s interests.
The governors urged the National Assembly to reject the bills and called for fair and equitable implementation of national policies across all regions.
The National Economic Council (NEC) also joined in, advising President Tinubu to withdraw the bills to allow for further consultations.
However, on November 1, President Tinubu firmly stated that the bills would not be withdrawn, highlighting their potential to improve the lives of Nigerians and enhance the country’s tax framework.
Last Thursday, the bills passed their second reading in the Senate, signaling continued progress on the proposed reforms.
