The Nigerian Senate has made adjustments to the composition of a 10-member committee tasked with addressing contentious areas of the Tax Reform Bills.
On Thursday, during plenary, the Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North), was removed from the committee. His position was reassigned to Senator Shehu Kaka (APC, Borno Central).
The Senate had formed the committee on Wednesday to engage with the Presidency on issues surrounding the Tax Reform Bills submitted by President Bola Tinubu.
These bills aim to update Nigeria’s tax laws based on recommendations by the Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reforms, chaired by Taiwo Oyedele.
The committee, chaired by Senate Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), retains other key members, including Adamu Ailero (PDP, Kebbi Central), Orji Kalu (APC, Abia North), Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West), Titus Zam (APC, Benue South), Abdullahi Yahaya (PDP, Kebbi North), Adeola Olamilekan (APC, Ogun West), Sani Musa (APC, Niger East), and Adetokunbo Abiru (APC, Lagos East).
The adjustment comes amid criticism of the reform bills, prompting the Senate to suspend further legislative action on them. Instead, it resolved to hold a public hearing, providing an opportunity for broader input from stakeholders. Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau (APC, Kano North), presiding over the plenary, emphasized the need for consultation with the Attorney General of the Federation and the Minister of Justice to address controversial clauses.
The Tax Reform Bills include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, Tax Administration Bill, Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill. President Tinubu initially proposed the bills on September 3, 2024, urging swift legislative action. However, calls from the National Economic Council (NEC) and other bodies advocated for wider consultations before proceeding.
President Tinubu, on October 31, 2024, responded by supporting public input through legislative processes, ensuring that the bills reflect the needs of Nigerians while achieving the goal of modernizing the country’s tax framework.
