The Southeast Caucus in the Senate has added its voice to the increasing demands for more inclusive consultations on the tax reform bills, currently under consideration at the National Assembly.
The caucus declared its stance on Monday, following a private meeting of senators from the five Southeast states, which took place in the office of their leader, Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA, Abia South).
Abaribe emphasized that while the caucus doesn’t object to the proposed tax reforms, it advocates broader stakeholder engagement before the bills are deliberated upon by both chambers.
He gave assurance that the Southeast Caucus will maintain an open dialogue with key stakeholders to guarantee the tax reforms are all-inclusive, fair, and advantageous to every region in Nigeria.
He said: “As senators from the South-East, we are not against the tax reform bills. However, we insist on wider consultations with our constituents across the 15 senatorial districts, state governments, and other critical stakeholders in our zone.
“We have reviewed the bills and feel it is essential to share our insights with stakeholders in the Southeast to ensure the final framework reflects equity and addresses regional concerns. Consultation is vital for inclusiveness and effective legislation.”
Persecondnews reports that the tax reform bills 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.
These bills have sparked significant debate since their submission by President Bola Tinubu to the National Assembly on October 3, 2024.
While Southeast senators are advocating inclusive consultations, their counterparts from the Southsouth geopolitical zone have expressed their support for the bills.
They also expressed their trust in the leadership of Godswill Akpabio, the current President of the Nigerian Senate, demonstrating confidence in his ability to guide the upper chamber effectively.
The senators urged their counterparts, the South-South governors, to collaborate with lawmakers in refining the bills, ensuring a unified stance.
Sen. Seriake Dickson, Chairman of the Forum, announced on December 5 that the forum has thrown its weight behind the tax reform bills, citing their potential to boost national revenue and promote economic stability.
Dickson said the support would be based on a comprehensive study and thorough evaluation of the content of the bills to ensure they aligned with the overall interest of Nigerians, particularly the well-being of the South-South.
In contrast to the Southsouth Senate Caucus’s push for swift passage of the tax reform bills, opposing groups such as the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Northern Senators, and the Arewa Consultative Forum are instead emphasizing the need for more comprehensive consultations before proceeding.
On Monday, December 2, Northern senators called for the suspension of further legislative action on the bills, citing concerns over the potential adverse effects on northern states.
Sen. Buba Umaru Shehu, representing Bauchi State under the All Progressives Congress (APC), announced on Tuesday, December 3, during an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, that northern senators have unanimously agreed to suspend action on the proposed bills.
Sen. Ali Ndume (APC, Borno) also confirmed on the same day that northern senators, after meeting with their governors and other leaders, agreed to advise on the withdrawal of the tax reform bills to allow for further consultations and broader support.
The bill has successfully passed the first reading.
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