The Nigerian Senate has established a special committee led by Senator Abba Moro, representing Benue South under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), to address contentious issues in the proposed tax reform bills.
The decision was announced during Wednesday’s plenary session, presided over by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin of Kano North, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Barau explained that the committee’s primary task is to examine the controversial aspects of the bills and engage with key stakeholders, including the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and members of the executive branch.
“The committee has been given the responsibility of consulting widely to ensure all perspectives are considered before public hearings commence,” Barau stated.
The tax reform bills were sent to the National Assembly on October 3, 2024, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In his letter, read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajuddeen Abbas during separate sessions, Tinubu emphasized the reforms’ significance.
According to him, the bills aim to strengthen Nigeria’s fiscal institutions and align with the administration’s broader development goals.
However, the proposed reforms have met resistance from various quarters, including governors, traditional rulers, civil society groups, and some federal lawmakers. Concerns revolve around the potential economic impact and fairness of the proposed changes.
The committee includes notable senators such as Titus Zam (APC, Benue North West), Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North), Sani Musa (APC, Niger East), and Abdullahi Yahaha (Kebbi North). They are expected to submit their findings to the Senate before public discussions on the bills begin.
