The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has declared that the upper chamber of the National Assembly will not succumb to intimidation or pressure to halt deliberations on the controversial tax reform bills.
Akpabio made this assertion during Thursday’s plenary, addressing speculations that legislative actions on the bills had been suspended.
“The senate cannot be bullied. Any reform that we are convinced serves the interest of Nigerians will proceed,” Akpabio stated emphatically.
Earlier this week, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin inaugurated a special committee to engage with a federal government delegation on the bills. However, reports circulated that the legislative process had been paused.
Dispelling these rumors, Akpabio reiterated the senate’s commitment to transparency and stakeholder engagement in refining the proposed legislation.
The senate president revealed that consultations with stakeholders, including state governors and religious leaders, were ongoing to resolve contentious areas in the bills.
To ensure robust dialogue, Akpabio said the six-week consultation period initially set for the bills would be extended.
“We will extend the time. We are committed to transparency and addressing all concerns,” he affirmed.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele also weighed in, refuting claims that the tax reform bills had been suspended or withdrawn.
“These bills are executive communications, and only the executive arm can withdraw them,” Bamidele clarified. “We remain steadfast in our legislative responsibilities. We don’t take orders from anyone or any office, no matter how highly placed.”
The bills—Nigeria Tax Bill, Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill—were submitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu on October 3.
They aim to improve tax administration, enhance revenue generation, and streamline Nigeria’s fiscal framework.
Despite passing the second reading in the Senate last week, the bills have faced opposition from various quarters.
The Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF), on October 28, rejected the bills, arguing that they posed risks to the interests of the region.
The governors demanded equitable implementation of national policies and called on the National Assembly to reject the proposals.
The National Economic Council (NEC) also advised President Tinubu to withdraw the bills to allow for broader consultations.
However, Tinubu dismissed the recommendation on November 1, stating that the bills were critical to improving Nigerians’ lives and optimising the nation’s tax system.
Akpabio and other senate leaders maintained that the chamber would act in the public interest and conduct legislative actions independently. Akpabio noted that any reform aligning with the welfare of Nigerians would be prioritized.
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