….South-South Senators Back Tax Reform Bills
The Senate is embroiled in contradictions over the status of the Tax Reform Bills submitted by President Bola Tinubu.
Despite reports claiming the suspension or withdrawal of the bills, Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) has clarified that deliberations are ongoing, dismissing any notion of suspension.
Raising a point of order during Thursday’s plenary, Bamidele refuted media reports, particularly those aired by Arise Television, which alleged the withdrawal or suspension of the Tax Reform Bills. He explained that the Senate merely constituted a committee to engage with the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, to address contentious provisions in the bills.
Bamidele described the reports as attempts to misrepresent and intimidate the Senate, emphasizing its independence and constitutional role. He said: “We have not suspended or withdrawn deliberations on the Tax Reform Bills. Any attempt to intimidate the Senate is undemocratic. These bills are executive communications, and only the executive arm can withdraw them. We remain steadfast in our legislative responsibilities.”
“We don’t take orders from anyone or any office, no matter how highly placed. The Senate is where we deliberate, make laws, and represent the people. Misunderstanding the legislative process does not justify issuing misleading reports.”
Bamidele explained that the Tax Reform Bills, transmitted by the executive, cannot be withdrawn by any senator or the Senate itself. The ongoing deliberations aim to resolve issues collaboratively.
The contradiction stems from statements made by Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North) during Wednesday’s plenary. Jibrin announced the suspension of further legislative actions on the bills, citing the need for consultations with the AGF to resolve contentious issues. He mandated the Senate Committee on Finance to halt public hearings and other actions until the issues are resolved.
“By tomorrow (Thursday), the committee we set up will meet with the AGF to address concerns surrounding the Tax Reform Bills. Until these issues are resolved, the Committee on Finance should put further action on hold.”
However, Senate President Godswill Akpabio supported the continuation of deliberations, thanking the Ad-Hoc Committee for initiating consultations. Akpabio emphasized:
“The bills are alive, have not been suspended, and have passed second reading. Further legislative actions are ongoing.”
On September 3, 2024, President Tinubu transmitted four tax reform bills to the National Assembly for consideration, following recommendations from the Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reforms led by Taiwo Oyedele.
Nigeria Tax Bill 2024 – Establishes a fiscal framework for taxation
Tax Administration Bill – Provides a legal framework to streamline tax administration and reduce disputes.
Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill – Replaces the Federal Inland Revenue Service Act with the Nigeria Revenue Service.
Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill – Establishes a tax tribunal and ombudsman.
In October, President Tinubu rejected a National Economic Council (NEC) recommendation to withdraw the bills for wider consultation, advocating for their passage through legislative processes to ensure public input at hearings.
The Senate remains divided on the path forward, reflecting the complexities of legislative deliberations and the critical importance of tax reforms to Nigeria’s fiscal stability.
South-South Senators Back Tax Reform Bills
Meanwhile,Senators from the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria have expressed support for the Tax Reform Bills presented to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu.
The lawmakers under the aegis of the South-South Senators’ Forum stressed the importance of tax reforms in boosting national revenue and fostering economic stability.
The bills are the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024 -SB.583; the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024- SB.584; and the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2024- SB. 585; and the Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024 – SB.586.
The four tax reform bills passed second reading at the Senate on Thursday and were referred to the Senate Committee on Finance, chaired by Niger East senator Sani Musa, for further legislative action, including holding a public hearing.
In a statement issued in Abuja by the Chairman of the Forum, Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West), the lawmakers highlighted their commitment to conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the bills to ensure they align with national interests, particularly the well-being of the South-South region.
They also called on South-South governors to work collaboratively with lawmakers to refine the bills for mutual benefit.
The Senators, representing Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Edo, Cross River, Delta, and Rivers States, passed a vote of confidence in Senate President Godswill Akpabio, praising his leadership in advancing the Senate’s constitutional mandate.
The Forum urged stakeholders to avoid introducing regional, ethnic, or tribal sentiments into the national dialogue, advocating for robust interactions and consultations in the legislative process.
The communiqué was signed by 15 other Senators, including:
Senator Jarigbe A. Jarigbe (PDP, Cross River North) – Secretary of the Forum
Senator Barinada Mpigi (PDP, Rivers South East)
Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North)
Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South)
Senator Munir Ned Nwoko (PDP, Delta North)
Senator Thomas Joel-Onowakpo (APC, Delta South)
Senator Aniekan Bassey (PDP, Akwa Ibom South)
Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC, Cross River South)
Senator Allwell Onyeso (PDP, Rivers East)
Senator Ipalibo Banigo (PDP, Rivers West)
Senator Benson Agadaga (PDP, Bayelsa East)
Senator Konbowei Benson (PDP, Bayelsa Central)
Senator Eteng Jonah Williams (APC, Cross River Central)
Senator Ekong Sampson (PDP, Akwa Ibom South)
Senator Ede Dafinone (APC, Delta Central)
The Senators reaffirmed their commitment to fostering a legislative agenda that ensures the peace, prosperity, and progress of the nation while addressing the unique needs of the South-South region.
