Senate sets up committee to review tax reform bills with AGF

The committee, led by Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), is tasked with engaging the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to address contentious areas within the bills and report back to the Senate ahead of a public hearing.

This development was announced by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin during today’s plenary session.

Barau, who presided over the session, stated that the executive branch and the Senate agreed on the need to resolve the disputes surrounding the bills.

He said, “We resolved to set aside politics, ethnicity, and regionalism to work collaboratively in addressing the issues affecting the tax reform bills. We reached out to the executive arm of government, and it was agreed that a forum be convened to address the areas of disagreement to ensure unity in tackling national challenges.

“These bills were introduced against the backdrop of ongoing national issues, such as insecurity and economic challenges, which we and the president are working to resolve. We agreed that no further problems should be allowed to worsen the country’s situation.

“It has therefore been agreed by both the executive and legislative arms that a forum should meet with the Attorney General to address the contentious areas for the benefit of the nation.

Consequently, the Committee on Finance, which had been handling the bills, is to pause further action, including public hearings, until the disputes are resolved.”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu submitted the four tax reform bills to the National Assembly on October 3, 2024.

Since their introduction, the bills have sparked significant controversy, particularly in northern Nigeria.

In response, the National Economic Council had advised the president to withdraw the bills for further consultation.

However, Tinubu insisted they proceed through the legislative process.

Last week, the Senate passed the bills for a second reading via a voice vote.

The proposed legislation aims to hharmonize, coordinate, and address disputes in Nigeria’s revenue administration.