Senate President Godswill Akpabio clarified on Thursday, contrary to the Senate’s decision on Wednesday, that further legislative action on the four controversial tax reform bills has neither been suspended nor withdrawn.
Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over the plenary on Wednesday, had earlier announced the suspension of public hearings and legislative work on the bills to allow for wider consultations. A 10-man committee, chaired by Senator Abba Moro, was constituted to engage with the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, to address contentious issues in the bills.
However, at Thursday’s plenary, Senate President Akpabio reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to advancing the Tax Reform Bills, emphasizing that no aspect of the legislative process had been halted. “The Senate cannot be bullied. Any reform we are convinced serves the interest of Nigerians will proceed. These bills contain provisions that are in the best interest of the public,” Akpabio stated.
Senators from the South-South geopolitical zone, under the aegis of the South-South Senators’ Forum, also expressed their support for the tax reform bills. They passed a vote of confidence in Akpabio’s leadership and urged South-South governors to collaborate with lawmakers to refine the bills.
Meanwhile, the membership of the 10-man committee was adjusted, with Senator Mohammed Monguno being replaced by Senator Shehu Kaka. Monguno, along with other Borno State leaders, including Governor Babagana Zulum and Senator Ali Ndume, has been vocal in opposing the bills. Vice President Kashim Shettima, also from Borno, chaired the National Economic Council, which recommended suspending actions on the bills for broader consultations.
Deputy Senate President Barau, announcing the suspension earlier, said: “Before the introduction of these bills, we know we’ve been faced with several problems and insecurity that we’ve been trying to solve. The president has been trying, and we’re also working with him to solve issues about our economy, which is in line with global economic problems.
“It has been mutually decided between the executive and the Senate to engage the Judiciary to sort out these matters. The Attorney General of the Federation will be involved in discussions to identify and resolve areas of disagreement for the nation’s benefit.”
However, Akpabio dismissed media reports suggesting the suspension of the bills. He emphasized that legislative processes remain ongoing and highlighted the formation of a special committee representing Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to address concerns with the AGF. Public hearings and consultations with stakeholders, including governors, religious leaders, and business leaders, are being prioritised.
“If six weeks are insufficient, we will extend the time. We are committed to transparency and addressing all concerns,” Akpabio said, commending Senator Abba Moro for initiating consultations immediately after his appointment as chairman of the committee.
The South-South Senators’ Forum, chaired by Senator Seriake Dickson, issued a statement backing the Tax Reform Bills, emphasizing their potential to enhance national revenue and economic stability. “Recognizing the importance of tax reforms, we resolved to support the bills based on a comprehensive study and evaluation to ensure alignment with the interests of Nigerians, particularly the South-South,” the statement read.
The forum also passed a vote of confidence in Akpabio and urged restraint in introducing regional or ethnic sentiments into the national dialogue. “We look forward to robust interactions and consultations as already commenced by the Senate,” the statement added.
Fifteen other senators, including Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Senator Ned Nwoko, and Senator Allwell Onyeso, signed the communique expressing support for Akpabio and the tax reforms.
Former Ekiti State Governor Dr Kayode Fayemi, delivering a keynote speech in Ibadan, also weighed in on the bills, stressing the importance of political acceptability. “The government means well and has done the right thing by initiating the tax reform bills. However, good intentions must be complemented by proper consultation with critical stakeholders to achieve success,” Fayemi said.
Fayemi advocated for revising the revenue-sharing formula to favour states, highlighting the need for devolved responsibilities. “Remaking Nigeria through devolution of powers and re-organisation of the federating units is an idea whose time has come,” he added.
The Arewa Youth Movement also expressed support for the bills, dismissing the opposition from northern elites. “The tax reforms will enhance revenue generation, promote infrastructure development, and reduce poverty in our region,” said Sa’ad Muhammad, the group’s president, during a briefing in Abuja.
Similarly, the Nigerian Southern Senators Forum endorsed the bills, stating, “The reforms will foster a fair, equitable, and inclusive tax system. It is crucial for the Federal Government to demonstrate that no sub-national will suffer lower VAT revenues post-reforms,” according to a joint statement by the forum’s leaders.
