Northern Senators Hold Closed-Door Meeting After Tax Reform Bills Pass Second Reading

• Northern Senators held a closed-door meeting after the Senate passed the Tax Reform Bills for a second reading, but the details remain unknown
• The Senate has called for a public hearing involving governors, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders to discuss the controversial bills
• The proposed legislation aims to simplify the tax landscape, reduce the burden on small businesses, and streamline tax collection

On Thursday, Northern Senators held a private meeting following the upper chamber’s approval of the Tax Reform Bills for a second reading.

The gathering took place in room 301 and lasted around two hours. Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum, did not disclose any details of the discussion.

Senate proposes significant changes to Nigeria’s tax landscape. Photo credit: X/NGRHouseSource: Facebook

Details of the conversation remain unknown as Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum, declined to comment after the session.

Senate’s Actions and Debates

Earlier on Thursday, the Senate tasked its Committee on Finance to invite governors, the Governors Forum, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders to attend a public hearing on the bills.

This followed the passage of the controversial bills for a second reading after a debate, after which they were referred to the Finance Committee, which was directed to revert in not more than six weeks.

Before the debate, the lawmakers had gone into a closed-door session. On their return from the executive session, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) led the debate.

President’s Tax Bills

President Bola Tinubu had in October sent four tax bills to the National Assembly.

The bills include the Tax Reform Bills comprising the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024; Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024; Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024; and Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024.

When the bills were initially introduced, the northern governors rejected them, describing them as anti-democratic.

Following this, the National Economic Council, Nigeria’s highest economic advisory body, requested that the tax reforms bill be withdrawn from the NASS for more consultations.

National Economic Council’s Position

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, announced the council’s position after its 144th meeting chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the State House, Abuja.

Makinde said council members agreed that the bill be withdrawn as some sections of the country are uncomfortable with some of its sections.

He said this would allow for consensus building and understanding.

Senate Passes Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills

Meanwhile, TheTalk.NG earlier reported that the Senator Godswill Akpabio-led Nigerian Senate has passed the proposed four tax reform bills for a second reading.

The four controversial tax reform bills were transmitted to the Senate by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Source: TheTalk.NG

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