The Senate is set to prioritise the consideration and passage of President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform bills upon resumption from its recess on April 29.
The four bills, Nigerian Tax Bill, Tax Administration Bill, Revenue Tax Board Bill, and Nigerian Revenue Service Establishment Bill were forwarded by the President as part of efforts to reform the country’s fiscal policies and boost revenue generation.
The delay in the passage of the bills had raised concerns, especially after the House of Representatives approved them two weeks ago, putting pressure on the Red Chamber.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Yemi Adaramodu, had hinted that the bills might be passed before the lawmakers embarked on a break.
He said, ‘I am sure you are aware that the House of Reps has passed it. So, we are not likely to go into any conflict or disagreement. But I cannot give you a specific date that it will be passed. But it will be passed soon, probably before we go on recess.”
However, the Senate went on recess without any mention of the bills, fueling speculations that something was amiss.
A source at the legislative complex disclosed that the senate might not have concluded consultation with the northern senators for the passage of the bill.
“We suspect that there may still be an ongoing consultation to get the buy-in of all the northern senators having amended the grey areas in the tax reform bills. But we are optimistic it will be resolved. If the House of Reps, which many see as an obstacle, could approve the bills, rest assured the Senate will pass it,” he said.
However, lawmakers have assured that the bills will be given due attention after resumption.
Chairman of the South-East Senate Caucus and lawmaker representing Abia South, Enyinnaya Abaribe, allayed fears of a possible stalemate.
He explained that the bills had not yet been formally presented before the senators and assured that they would be addressed once legislative activities resume.
“They haven’t brought it. Since they did not bring it and we are closing today, maybe when we come back,” Abaribe stated.
Similarly, Senator Osita Izunaso, representing Imo West, expressed confidence that the tax reform bills would be among the key priorities upon resumption.
“It will be one of the things on the front burner as soon as we come back,” he said.
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