South-South Senators Back Tax Reform Bills
Senators from Nigeria’s South-South geopolitical zone have voiced their support for the Tax Reform Bills presented to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu. The bills—comprising the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, and the Nigeria Tax Bill—are aimed at improving national revenue generation and fostering economic stability.
On Thursday, the four bills successfully passed their second readings in the Senate and were referred to the Senate Committee on Finance, headed by Senator Sani Musa, for further consideration, including public hearings. The South-South Senators, who issued a statement under the banner of the South-South Senators’ Forum, emphasized the need for these reforms to align with the broader interests of the nation and the specific needs of the South-South region.
The Forum, chaired by Senator Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa West (PDP), reaffirmed the commitment of the lawmakers to thoroughly evaluate the bills to ensure they benefit the country as a whole, while addressing regional concerns. They also called on the South-South governors to collaborate with the legislators in refining the bills to maximize mutual advantages.
Additionally, the Senators, representing states including Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Edo, Cross River, Delta, and Rivers, expressed their confidence in Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s leadership, acknowledging his efforts in advancing the Senate’s constitutional role. The Forum also urged that the discussion surrounding the bills remain free from regional, ethnic, or tribal sentiments, stressing the importance of open dialogue and consultations in the legislative process.
The communiqué was signed by 15 other Senators, including prominent figures such as Senator Jarigbe A. Jarigbe (Cross River North), Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North), and Senator Aniekan Bassey (Akwa Ibom South), who reaffirmed their dedication to the peaceful and prosperous future of the nation while ensuring the South-South region’s specific needs are addressed.
