Senate
Give more time for consultation on tax bills – South-East senators
The South-East Caucus in the Senate has asked for more time for consultation on the Tax Reform Bills currently before the National Assembly.
A statement on Monday after a closed-door meeting of the senators from the five South-East states stated this
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, the leader of the South-East Caucus, explained that the caucus does not oppose the proposed tax reforms, but believes that more extensive engagement with stakeholders is necessary before the bills are fully considered by both chambers.
According to him, “As senators from the South-East, we are not against the Tax Reform Bills. However, we insist on wider consultations with our constituents across the 15 senatorial districts, state governments, and other critical stakeholders in our zone.
“We have reviewed the bills and feel it is essential to share our insights with stakeholders in the South-East to ensure the final framework reflects equity and addresses regional concerns. Consultation is vital for inclusiveness and effective legislation.”
Abaribe said the South-East Caucus is committed to ensuring that the tax reforms are inclusive, equitable, and beneficial to all regions of the country.
He further said, “We need to consult with our constituents across the 15 senatorial districts in the zone, with our state governments, and with other critical stakeholders ”
Aside from the South-East Caucus, other groups, such as the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Northern Senators, and the Arewa Consultative Forum, have also called for more extensive engagement with stakeholders.
Meanwhile, the Presidency and the South-South Senate Caucus have advocated for the swift passage of the bills.
The Tax Reform Bills sent to the National Assembly for debate and approval include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill 2024, the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill 2024, and the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill 2024.
These bills are enmeshed in controversies since their submission by President Bola Tinubu to the National Assembly on October 3, 2024