ABUJA: The Nigerian Senate has established a special committee to collaborate with a federal government delegation to address contentious issues in the proposed tax reform bills.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over Wednesday’s plenary, announced the committee members and emphasized the need for unity in resolving the concerns.
“We don’t want the country to be disunited. So, the delegations will meet to resolve the grey areas,” Jibrin stated.
The committee comprises prominent senators, including Abba Moro (Minority Leader), Tahir Monguno (Chief Whip), Adamu Aliero (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).
President Bola Tinubu had earlier directed the Ministry of Justice to work with the National Assembly to address the concerns surrounding the bills.
The tax reform bills—Nigeria Tax Bill, Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill—have sparked widespread debate since their introduction.
On October 28, the Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) opposed the bills, citing potential harm to the region’s interests. The governors urged the National Assembly to reject the proposals and ensure equitable implementation of national policies.
Similarly, the National Economic Council (NEC) advised President Tinubu to withdraw the bills to allow for broader consultations. However, on November 1, Tinubu ruled out the withdrawal, emphasizing that the reforms aim to improve Nigerians’ lives and streamline the tax system.
The bills passed their second reading in the Senate last Thursday.
