Senate Forms Committee to Review Controversial Tax Reform Bills with AGF

On Wednesday, the Nigerian Senate established a committee to review the contentious Tax Reform Bills currently before the National Assembly. The committee, led by Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), will collaborate with the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, to address the areas of disagreement within the bills before they proceed to public hearings.

This announcement was made by Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, who presided over the plenary session. Barau stated that the executive branch of government had agreed with the Senate on the need to resolve the issues causing discord over the bills.

“We have decided to put aside politics, ethnicity, and regionalism to work together and find a solution to the disagreements surrounding the tax reform bills,” Barau said. “It was agreed that there should be a forum to sit down with the executive branch and address the contentious areas, so that the country can remain united in tackling our challenges.”

He further emphasized that, prior to the introduction of the bills, Nigeria had been grappling with security issues, economic challenges, and other national concerns. Both the executive and legislative branches agreed that these disagreements should not add to the country’s existing problems.

Barau also revealed that a meeting will be held with the AGF to review the points of contention and work toward a resolution. As a result, the Senate’s Finance Committee, which had been overseeing the bills, will pause action on public hearings and other processes until these issues are addressed.

The Tax Reform Bills, forwarded by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on October 3, 2024, have sparked significant controversy, particularly in the northern part of the country. Due to the intense opposition, the National Economic Council had recommended that President Tinubu withdraw the bills for further consultation, but he opted to allow the legislative process to continue.

Last week, the bills passed their second reading in the Senate by voice vote. The proposed legislation aims to streamline and resolve disputes in Nigeria’s revenue administration, seeking to harmonize and coordinate tax systems across the country.