South East Senators Caucus Seek Broader Consultation on Tax Bills

The bills have generated much anger over supposed regional interests, particularly from Northerners who fear the passage will affect their constituencies.

Groups such as the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, the Northern Senators’ Forum, and the Arewa Consultative Forum, have demanded wider consultations.

Speaking on Monday, the South East senators led by Mr Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA, Abia South), on behalf of senators from the five South Eastern states held in his office said there was need to address all questions.

Mr Abaribe underpinned that the South East senators are not opposed to the bills but are advocating for extensive consultations with their constituents and key stakeholders before a final decision is made in both chambers of the National Assembly.

“While we are not currently against the tax reform bills before the two chambers of the National Assembly, we believe wider consultations must be carried out,” Mr Abaribe stated at a press conference.

He further highlighted the need to engage with constituents across the 15 senatorial districts in the Southeast zone, as well as state governments and other critical stakeholders.

“We have carefully reviewed the bills and feel it is essential to share our insights with stakeholders in the South East to ensure a more equitable framework in the eventual legislation. This is about ensuring that the bills serve all Nigerians fairly, particularly our region,” Mr Abaribe added.

The Tax Reform Bills under consideration include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill 2024, the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill 2024, and the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill 2024.

Some of the provisions of the billa include complete exemption of low-income earners up to N1 million per annum (about N83,000 per month) from Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) and zero per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) on food, healthcare, education, electricity generation and transmission among others.