Kehinde Fajobi
The Senate has established a committee to review contentious issues in the proposed Tax Reform Bills currently before the National Assembly.
During Wednesday’s plenary, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin announced that the committee, chaired by Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), will collaborate with the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to resolve grey areas in the bills and report back to the Senate before a public hearing.
Barau explained, “We decided to put politics, ethnicity, and regionalism aside to find a way forward regarding the issues affecting the tax reform bills.
“It is on this note that we extended our view to the executive arm of government, and it was agreed that there should be a forum to sit down and address areas of disagreement. This is crucial to ensure unity in solving our nation’s problems.”
He noted that Nigeria is already grappling with insecurity and economic challenges and emphasised the need to prevent further aggravation.
He added, “It has been agreed by the executive and by us that there should be a forum involving the Attorney General of the Federation to resolve these disagreements for the nation’s benefit.”
Barau directed the Senate Finance Committee to halt its work on the bills, including public hearings, pending the resolution of the contentious issues.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had introduced the Tax Reform Bills to the National Assembly on October 3, 2024, aiming to harmonise and address disputes in revenue administration.
However, the bills have sparked significant controversy, particularly in Northern Nigeria, and prompted the National Economic Council to recommend their withdrawal for further consultation.
Tinubu rejected this advice, insisting the bills undergo the legislative process.
Last week, the Senate passed the bills for a second reading via voice vote.