Senate Hits Pause: Tax Reform Bills Suspended Amid Public Outcry

The Nigerian Senate has suspended further deliberation on President Bola Tinubu’s controversial tax reform bills due to significant public backlash and opposition from northern governors, who labeled the proposals as “anti-democratic.” This decision was announced by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau during a plenary session on December 4, 2024, highlighting the need for unity and dialogue to address the contentious issues surrounding the bills.

The Senate has established a special committee tasked with engaging with the executive branch to resolve outstanding issues related to the tax reforms. This committee will include key Senate leaders and is expected to meet with the Attorney General of the Federation to discuss legal disputes and areas of contention. The suspended bills include:

- Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024

- Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024

- Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024

These bills aim to overhaul Nigeria's revenue collection framework but have faced criticism for their potential impact on fiscal policy and regional equity in tax distribution. The suspension follows widespread protests and demands for further consultations from various stakeholders, including state governors. The National Economic Council has also recommended that the bills be withdrawn for more comprehensive discussions to build consensus across regions.

The Senate Committee on Finance has been directed to pause all public hearings related to these bills until stakeholder concerns are adequately addressed. A meeting is scheduled for December 5, where the special committee will convene with the attorney general to facilitate discussions aimed at resolving these contentious issues. This move reflects the Senate's commitment to ensuring that any new tax policies do not exacerbate existing economic challenges and are inclusive of diverse regional interests within Nigeria.

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